Here's a fantastic red to enjoy with the kind of rich beef goulash over polenta you often find here by the Slovenian border. The Torre Rosazza 2016 Friuli Colli Orientali Merlot AltroMerlot is a dark and succulent expression with lots of cherry, blackberry and dark fruit sweetness. This is a generous, full-bodied red with soft tannins and a very rich quality of fruit. The wine is layered and elegant, and it shows terrific depth, dimension and energy. Nice job.

This is a simple, easy-drinking Merlot from Northeast Italy that offers measured aromas of black cherry, wet earth, tobacco and spice. The aromas seem well integrated but ultimately lack focus and precision.——M.L.(12/15/2009)—— 86