Ponte Pietra Merlot-Corvina 2024

From Veneto's rolling vineyards, this blend of Merlot and Corvina brings together supple blackberry depth with cherry blossom perfume and ripe red fruit. Corvina, best known as the hallmark grape of Valpolicella, works here alongside Merlot to add fragrance and lift without sacrificing substance. The absence of oak keeps the lines clean and the fruit clear, with a freshness that carries right through to the finish. It shows how well-travelled variety can find common ground with a regional classic to highly appealing effect.

Great with antipasti, pizza or grilled vegetables - its fresh fruit character and soft tannins make it a flexible, crowd-pleasing partner.

Ponte Pietra wines are made by the prolific and talented Matt Thomson at the Cantina di Monteforte in between Verona and Padua. The name refers to Verona's 'Ponte Pietra' (stone bridge) that dates back to Roman times, although vines have been planted on the hills outside of Verona for much longer than this bridge has spanned the Adige River. The wines he makes are fruit forward and expressive and, above all, offer exceptional value for money.