Wines Merlot of Ticino Cantina Kopp von der Crone Visini - Balin - 2017

Viniou Reviews

The 2017 Cuvée Balin from Cantina Kopp von der Crone Visini is a red Merlot crafted in the heart of the Ticino region, Switzerland. This wine, carrying the prestigious Merlot del Ticino AOC designation, showcases the expressive character Merlot achieves in Swiss terroir. 2017 was a particularly favourable year in the region, bringing complexity and ideal ripeness to the grapes. The wine is marked by its deep, ruby colour and an inviting bouquet of blackberries, ripe plums, and subtle spice notes. On the palate, one can expect velvety tannins, a balanced acidity, and layers of dark fruit, cocoa, and hints of tobacco, both from grape maturity and skilled oak ageing. The overall structure is refined and harmonious, allowing the pure Merlot character to shine through.

Ticino, Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region, enjoys a unique microclimate thanks to its southern Alpine location. The vineyards benefit from more sunshine than elsewhere in Switzerland, alongside well-drained soils composed predominantly of granite and porphyry. This terroir, paired with mild, Mediterranean-influenced weather, creates a perfect environment for Merlot to thrive, echoing the red wines of Northern Italy yet retaining a distinctly Swiss precision. Viticulture in Ticino surged after the phylloxera crisis, with Merlot now firmly established as the region’s signature grape, yielding wines of elegance and regional identity.

Cuvée Balin’s supple texture and depth make it an excellent pairing for both regional and classic dishes. It complements traditional Ticinese fare such as ossobuco, braised beef with polenta, or even a rich risotto al Merlot. More widely, it is delightful alongside roasted lamb, duck breast with cherries, or mature hard cheeses with herbal notes. The wine’s structure also pairs well with autumnal dishes featuring mushrooms and root vegetables.

For optimal enjoyment, I recommend serving this wine at 16-18°C after decanting for at least thirty minutes, allowing its aromatic complexity to fully develop. Given its structure, the 2017 Cuvée Balin can be appreciated now or cellared for a further three to five years, offering rewarding evolution in bottle.