The colour is medium garnet. On the nose blackberry jam, prunes and some balsamic notes. In the mouth smooth, with well-integrated tannins and a pleasant freshness. At first the aftertaste lacks the fruitiness perceived on the nose, but after some exposure to air the prunes show up.
Culdrée is made with Merlot grapes by Enrico Trapletti, who founded his winery in 1992. He started as a hobbyist and he is a self-taught winemaker, who started making wine wine during his free time using grapes grown by his father, a vine-grower.
Enrico’s first vinification has been 300 bottles for personal use. The following year he increased the production to a thousand bottles. Encouraged by the appreciation of friends and acquaintances for the results of his efforts he later further expanded production.
In 1997 the winery made the first experience with barriques and Culdrée was born. In 2004, the Culdrée 2000 was awarded first place overall as the best Swiss single-varietal red wine at the final of the first Swiss wine competition. This success brought Culdrée, if not to the international stage, at least to Ticino’s fame. An allure that stands to these days.
I received this bottle as a present for my birthday in 2017. Culdrée sell for slightly less than 60 CHF. Clearly overpriced, but fame commands a premium.
Country: Switzerland
Region: Ticino
Grapes: Merlot
Type: Red
Vintage: 2012
Producer: Tenuta vitivinicola Trapletti
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5