Merlot Tessin
If one wine stands for Ticino, it is Merlot. What began over a century ago as the rescue of Ticino’s vineyards is today the pride of Switzerland’s sunny south – from fresh and easy-going to powerful and barrique-aged.
How Merlot came to Ticino
After the phylloxera crisis around 1900, Merlot was planted in Ticino from 1906 – and it felt instantly at home in the mild, sunny climate south of the Alps. Today the grape makes up around 80 % of Ticino’s vineyards and is the region’s calling card.
From everyday wine to Gran Selezione
Ticino Merlot has two faces: young, fruity and juicy with notes of cherry and plum – or, aged in barrique, dense, velvety and complex, with chocolate, spice and fine tannins.
Our recommended Ticino Merlots
- San Grato Merlot Gran Selezione Ticino DOC – the great Ticino Merlot, barrique-aged: dense, velvety, with dark fruit and noble spice.
- Belcampo Merlot Ticino – easy-going and juicy, with fresh red fruit – the ideal introduction to Ticino Merlot.
- Corbaro Merlot Selezione Ticino DOC – elegant and balanced, with ripe fruit and a fine, smooth texture.
What to serve with Ticino Merlot
Merlot is a versatile companion at the table: it pairs with polenta, risotto and pasta with ragù, with braised or grilled meat and mature mountain cheese. Lighter Merlots are even a pleasure as an aperitif.
Serving tip
Serve Ticino Merlot at 16–18 °C; young, fruity wines may be a touch cooler. Powerful barrique Merlots benefit from being decanted half an hour ahead.
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