Wines Merlot of Ticino Brivio Gialdi - Bianco Rovere - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Brivio Gialdi’s Cuvée Bianco Rovere 2022 is an intriguing Swiss wine from the Merlot del Ticino AOC, produced in the sunlit canton of Ticino. Despite being rooted in the heartland of red Merlot, this cuvée stands out by presenting a refined, barrel-aged white style. The wine is crafted predominantly from Merlot grapes vinified as a white, often called a “blanc de noirs,” offering an innovative profile for this typically red variety. The ‘Rovere’ in the name denotes maturation in oak barrels, lending the wine a creamy texture and subtle woody nuances layered over crisp orchard fruit and floral notes. The 2022 vintage is marked by an expressive freshness, displaying ripe pear, citrus, and a delicate hint of vanilla, all balanced by a vibrant acidity and fine mineral undertones.

Ticino, lying to the south of the Swiss Alps, enjoys a predominantly Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for growing Merlot – a grape that has dominated local vineyards since the early 20th century. The soils here are rich in granite and gneiss, providing excellent drainage and imparting an underlying minerality to the wines. Ticino’s rich winemaking tradition, shaped by both Swiss precision and Italian influence, shines in these innovative white expressions of Merlot, which have become increasingly popular for their elegance and gastronomic versatility.

Cuvée Bianco Rovere is particularly food-friendly and shines alongside dishes such as grilled freshwater fish, creamy risotto with asparagus or saffron, and poultry with subtle herb sauces. It also pairs beautifully with soft Alpine cheeses, and for a regional touch, you might enjoy it with Ticinese-style polenta and mushrooms.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled at 10-12°C. This temperature brings forward both its fresh fruity elements and the gentle oak influence, allowing its texture to express itself fully while maintaining its refined aromatic complexity. Decanting is not necessary, but let the wine breathe in the glass for several minutes before tasting to appreciate its full aromatic range.