Wines Ticino PDO Zanini - Ligornetto Merlot - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The Cuvée Ligornetto Merlot 2020 by Zanini, produced under the Ticino DOC (or Tessin DOC) AOC, is a fine example of Swiss craftsmanship in red winemaking. This wine is made predominantly from the Merlot grape, an emblematic varietal of the Ticino region. The 2020 vintage benefited from favourable climatic conditions, resulting in ripe and balanced grapes. The Ligornetto parcel is known for its well-drained soils and sun exposure, which allow the Merlot to express purity of fruit, velvety tannins and a refined aromatic profile. The vinification in this part of Switzerland often blends respect for tradition and modern techniques, usually with gentle extraction and judicious use of oak, allowing the wine to gain both structure and elegance.

Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, boasts a unique terroir at the meeting point of Alpine and Mediterranean influences. The region enjoys a relatively mild climate, with warm summers and good rainfall, balanced by the cooling effects of the mountains and proximity to Lake Maggiore. The soils are often sandy or granite-based, contributing finesse and a certain mineral tension to the wines. Merlot found its second home in Ticino after being introduced in the early 20th century, quickly surpassing other varietals thanks to its adaptability and capacity to reflect the intricacies of the local terroir. Today, Merlot from Ticino stands out for its supple structure, dark fruit flavours and subtle earthy undertones.

For food pairings, this Merlot is wonderfully versatile. Its rounded tannins and bright cherry and plum notes pair beautifully with roasted veal or beef, grilled lamb or traditional Swiss dishes such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. Classic Italian fare like osso buco or a mushroom risotto will complement the wine’s depth and gentle herbal hints. For cheese pairing, try semi-hard Swiss cheeses like Sbrinz or Tessin’s own Formaggini, which will bring out the wine’s understated spicy character.

For the best tasting experience, serve the Cuvée Ligornetto Merlot 2020 at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting it for thirty minutes before serving will allow the bouquet to fully unfold, enhancing the wine’s elegance and complexity on the palate.