Marco Felluga Collio Merlot Varneri 75cl
AED 99.00
Plush Merlot with that Collio hillside edge—ripe plum and black cherry up front, then a little cocoa and dried herb to keep it from feeling jammy. Marco Felluga’s Varneri is the kind of Italian red wine that’s easy to love but still has shape, with enough grip for pizza night and enough polish for a “we’re opening something nice” dinner.
This is Merlot with personality: juicy dark fruit, a savoury streak, and that clean, structured feel Collio reds do so well. Varneri is Marco Felluga doing what they’re known for—making wine that tastes like a place, not just a grape.
-
Appearance: Deep ruby with a purple rim; looks youthful and lively in the glass.
-
Nose: Black cherry, ripe plum, a touch of blackberry, plus cocoa powder and a hint of dried bay leaf.
-
Taste: Dark fruit lands first, then comes a gently savoury note; medium acidity keeps it fresh, and fine tannins give it that “one more sip” pull.
-
Body: Medium-bodied—comforting and generous without feeling heavy.
-
Finish: Long enough to notice, with lingering cherry, soft spice, and a faint chocolatey echo.
What makes this bottle worth your attention is the balance. A lot of Merlot can go one of two ways: either all fruit and no backbone, or so oaky it tastes like a lumber aisle. Varneri threads the needle. You get ripe, satisfying flavour, but it stays tidy and food-friendly—exactly what you want from an Italian red wine you’ll actually reach for mid-week and still be proud to pour for guests.
Collio is a serious region in Friuli, better known for whites, which is precisely why this red feels like a smart pick for discovery. The cooler influences and hillside vineyards help keep the fruit bright and the structure crisp, so the wine doesn’t slump into sweetness or softness. It’s a Merlot that holds its shape.
If you’re building a rotation of go-to wines, this one covers a lot of ground. It’s an easy match for tomato-sauce pastas, roast chicken, grilled sausages, mushroom risotto, or a cheeseboard where you want the red to play nice instead of bulldozing everything. It’s also a great “bridge” bottle if someone at the table is usually a white-wine person.
Searching for something that hits the sweet spot between comforting and classy? This Collio Merlot delivers: plush fruit, a savoury wink, and a finish that doesn’t disappear the second you swallow. It’s the kind of red wine that earns a permanent spot on your shelf because it just makes dinner better.
Fun fact: Marco Felluga is one of the key names behind modern Collio’s reputation—the family has been in Friuli’s wine game for generations, and their estates helped put this corner of northern Italy on the world map.
