Tristo Rosso – Marco Merli

Tristo Rosso - Marco Merli

Marco Merli’s Tristo Rosso is a red wine with character, crafted to quench thirst while offering plenty of substance and verve. It is a juicy, honest wine that captures the wild, vibrant spirit of its terroir. Notes of open fields, brambles, small fruits, and red berries emerge on the nose, while the palate delights with a crisp, fresh, and juicy character, supported by a perfectly balanced, full structure. The winemaking process is artisanal and respectful of the fruit: whole clusters ferment in a CO₂-saturated environment for nine days in small PVC vats before being crushed and pressed. The must then completes fermentation in concrete and fiberglass tanks. Grapes from the final, riper harvests undergo a five-day maceration on the skins prior to pressing. At the end of winter, the various batches are blended, and the wine is left to mature until bottling, which takes place in June. This is a rustic, lively red that speaks of its territory and is irresistibly drinkable—a "table wine" in the best sense of the term: made to be enjoyed at the table, to pair with food, and to leave you craving another sip.

Service

We taste it at a temperature of 16/18° in tulip glasses. 

Pairing

An authentic and versatile red, it is ideal for pairing with roasted and grilled meats, game, cured meats, and aged cheeses, yet equally perfect for sharing at a convivial dinner.

Winery: Marco Merli

Nestled in the Umbrian hills of Casa del Diavolo is Marco Merli’s project—a small-scale agricultural venture he tends with passion alongside his father. Just a few hectares are cultivated with respect and sensitivity; here, nature dictates the rhythm, and the vines grow in harmony with their environment. The soil is nourished through natural practices—using organic fertilizers, cover crops, and targeted treatments of copper and sulfur—allowing wild vegetation and vines to coexist in an authentic dialogue. The goal is both simple and profound: to produce healthy, expressive grapes that truly reflect their place of origin. In the cellar, Marco guides the wine gently rather than forcing it, relying on spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and extended aging in concrete vats, large wooden casks, and stainless steel tanks. Traditional Umbrian grape varieties give rise to thirteen honest wines, each rich in nuance and personality. These wines offer more than just the simple pleasure of a drink; they tell a story of land, time, and passion. They are authentic, profound, and surprising wines, capable of evoking unique emotions with every glass.