Podere La Pace Merlot Maremma Toscana 2016

Close your eyes and picture the Tuscan countryside.  You may conjure images of vineyards undulating on rolling hills, fields of purple lavender, and charming groves of olive trees lined by cyprus.  We can all summon this picturesque landscape, and the Maggioni family established their homestead to be a true-life Tuscan dream. Podere La Pace carries on the heritage of a multi-generational entrepreneurial family, creating a future for their next kin to flourish in.

Beginning in 1934, Gino Maggioni created the La Pace concept after years as an architect and designer in Milan.  He re-settled his family in the Ligurian countryside from Milan.  After many decades in Liguria, Gino’s son, Silvano, and his wife discovered the parcel in Maremma that would one day become the Podere La Pace.  Together with their son Simone, the Maggionis purchased the plot in 2006 and set about bringing new life to the business.  Vineyards were planted in 2011 as construction on the winery began, with the first vintage launching in 2013.

Podere La Pace’s primary winemaking focus is crafting Super Tuscan blends from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot vines.  Quality is of utmost importance, and the property and the winery are certified fully organic.  While Simone’s heritage and curiosity lie in agriculture and entrepreneurship, his “day job” is as a leadership consultant for many large corporations specializing in recruitment, succession planning, and family business governance.  He believes this comes in hand working in the world of wine – “There are telling similarities between human resources and fine wine,” he laughs.  “They are both long-term, challenging, and often unpredictable enterprises, but when done well, they can also deliver great satisfaction and delight.”

As the Podere La Pace team concentrates on blends, single-varietal wines come only on select, distinct vintages.  And the near-perfect 2016 growing season was the ideal reason to craft this deliciously intriguing wine.  The hand-harvested 2016 Merlot grows on the property’s block of clay-rich soils.  Indigenous fermentation in cement tanks preceded aging in French oak barrels and a 20hL French oak cask for 16 months and an additional 12 months in the bottle.   Dark stone fruits, cinnamon, and roasted black walnuts saturate the nose with a medium body of round tannins and clean acidity.  There’s a rusticity and earthy note on the palate of this ruggedly complex Merlot, touched by hints of black cherry and mocha. So sit back, relax, and imagine sipping this rare, 100% Merlot from Podere La Pace while overlooking the Tuscan countryside.