Cantina Marco Merli — Umbria

Cantina Marco Merli is the personal project of Marco Merli, a winemaker in Umbria who has become a key figure in the region's natural wine movement. The winery was founded in 2002 by his father, Enzo, on land where Marco's grandfather once worked. Marco, who had a previous career in fashion design, brings a unique sense of aesthetics and rigor to his craft. He is often described as a "marathon runner of authentic wine," a nickname that reflects his tireless dedication and passion.

A Philosophy of Purity and Honesty

Marco's philosophy is deeply personal and rooted in a desire to honor his family's history while embracing a natural, non-interventionist approach. He believes that wine should be an authentic expression of the grapes and the land.

  • Organic & Biodynamic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically, with some biodynamic principles incorporated. He uses only animal manure and natural plant composts for fertilization and treats the vines with minimal amounts of copper and sulfur.

  • Low Intervention: In the cellar, his approach is hands-off. He believes that nature should be allowed to do its work. All fermentations are spontaneous with native yeasts, and he avoids fining and filtration.

  • Zero or Minimal Sulfur: Marco is committed to producing stable natural wines with low or no added sulfur dioxide (SO2​).

The Vineyards and Terroir

Cantina Marco Merli is located in a beautiful, hilly landscape in the heart of Umbria, a region known for its rolling hills and ancient history.

  • Location: The vineyards are situated in the village of Casa del Diavolo, near Perugia.

  • Vineyard Area: A small domaine of around 6 hectares.

  • Grape Varieties: He works with a mix of indigenous and classic Italian grapes, including Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Moscato, Grechetto, and Ciliegiolo.

  • Soils: The terroir is primarily composed of clay and limestone soils, with some sandy patches, which contribute to the wines' structure and minerality.

Winemaking and Process

Marco's winemaking is a careful and precise process, tailored to each cuvée.

  • Harvest: All grapes are meticulously hand-harvested.

  • Vinification: He uses a variety of techniques, including whole-cluster fermentation and short macerations, to create wines with a lively, vibrant character. Fermentation and aging take place in a combination of stainless steel, concrete, and old oak barrels.

  • Aging: The wines are aged for several months to a year before being bottled, allowing them to develop complexity and natural stability.

Signature Wines to Discover

The wines of Cantina Marco Merli are known for their lively character, purity, and honest expression of the Umbrian terroir.

  • Tristo: A popular red blend known for its juicy, fruity character and vibrant acidity.

  • Brucisco: A classic Umbrian white blend of Trebbiano, Grechetto, and Malvasia di Candia.

  • Janus: A red wine, often a pure Sangiovese, known for its elegant structure and earthy notes.

  • Mosco: A lively white wine that showcases his unique style.

Address & Contact

Cantina Marco Merli is a small, personal operation. Visits are by appointment only.

  • Address: Via del Forno 14, 06134 Civitella Benazzone (PG), Italy.