Picco Attila 2020

If you enjoy discovering some of the many Italian grape varieties most people have never heard of, try this. It's Merlot enriched with the native Refosco grape, all grown between the Giule Alps and fertile lagoons of the northern Adriatic coastline. The region used to be a frontier of the Roman empire. Legend has it that the soldiers of Attila the Hun built a hill (picco) from earth dug out with their helmets. They then stood on it to view their conquest – the burning city of Aquileia. Aged in large oak botti (vats), Picco Attila is a deeply flavoured red with dark damson, fig and prune character, framed by notes of espresso and warm spice. Winemaker Alessandro Gallici likes to serve the wine with rich game or creamy polenta with pumpkin.