Calalta, Undercover, 2023

Calalta’s Undercover 2023 is a playful, fresh take on Merlot from Veneto, made by Nicola Brunetti and Giulia for drinkers who enjoy wines with personality and a touch of surprise. Rather than leaning on tradition for tradition’s sake, this cuvée lets the terroir speak first, with Merlot showing up in a more discreet, ‘undercover’ style that feels both modern and authentically regional.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Undercover shows a vibrant, youthful ruby colour. The aroma is packed with juicy red and dark berries, alongside a fresh, inviting energy that makes the wine feel immediately approachable. On the palate, it is soft, supple, and wonderfully succulent, with a refreshing lift that keeps the fruit lively rather than heavy. The texture is smooth and easygoing, and the finish leaves a bright, berry-driven impression. This is a wine made for enjoying young, while its freshness and balance suggest it will hold nicely over the near term rather than needing long cellar aging.

Production
Produced in Veneto from Merlot, Undercover is crafted with spontaneous fermentation and matured in stainless steel tanks, allowing the wine to retain its freshness and pure fruit expression. The approach highlights the character of the vineyard site and keeps the style clean, juicy, and terroir-driven rather than overly oaked or extracted.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile red that works well with charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled vegetables, tomato-based pasta dishes, and lighter meat plates such as pork or veal. Serve it slightly chilled, ideally around 14–16°C, and decanting is generally not necessary, though a short aeration can help if opened very young.

Producer
Calalta is the project of Nicola Brunetti and his wife Giulia, who have built a reputation for challenging Italian wine conventions with confidence and humour. Based in Veneto, they are known for choosing grape varieties and winemaking methods that they feel best express their terroir, even when that means stepping outside local expectations. Their thoughtful, experimental approach has made them an exciting name among drinkers looking for something distinctive and well made.

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