Boccadigabbia's 2010 Merlot Pix is a soft and velvety red wine with well-dosed aromas of black cherry, spice, leather and a touch of black olive. This historic estate in the Marche (Central Italy) has done a great job with this international grape variety. The wine presents a smooth and silky texture with good integration and balance.

The 2007 Merlot Pix explodes on the palate with layers of fruit. This is a sumptuous, beautifully layered red graced with exquisite class and elegance. Deceptively medium in body, the Pix shows remarkable depth and sheer integrity in its fruit. It is magnificent in every way. It is a hugely interesting Merlot loaded with flavor and personality that captures a high point in viticulture and oenology in the Marche. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Boccadigabbia is one of the leading estates in the Marche. Many of the estate's vineyards are planted with international varieties, a tradition that dates back to Napoleonic times. Over the years the French varieties have become quite acclimated to the local soil and microclimate, resulting in wines of unusual pedigree.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

The 2004 Merlot Pix is a racy, layered wine, with plenty of dark fruit, toasted oak, flowers and minerals on a medium-bodied frame. The wine possesses awesome harmony and balance as silky, refined tannins frame the fruit all the way through to the long close. This is an exceptional wine from Boccadigabbia. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. This set of wines from Boccadigabbia is impressive. Boccadigabbia is a fascinating estate in that its roots stretch all the way back to the reign of Napoleon III. The custom of growing French grapes dates back to that period, which explains the estate’s success, particularly with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1996 the Alessandri family added to its holdings at Boccadigabbia with the purchase of the Villamagna estate, another property with a history that dates back hundreds of years. The wines are aged in French oak; neutral barrels are for the entry-level wines and new oak for the Pix and Akronte. These remain some of the most interesting wines being made in the Marche today.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

The 2003 Pix (Merlot) is opulent, luscious wine with plenty of sweet, ripe fruit on a full-bodied frame. It is an attractive wine but could use a little more personality. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2013. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

The 2000 Pix, a Merlot, is rather international in style with its vanilla-rich nose of chocolate covered cherries, its broad, supple, and full flavors, and its round and sensual texture. Drink: 2005-2015. Boccadigabbia proved two important points in the 1990s. First, that superior wine can be produced in non-tradition areas of the Marches. Second, that a series of non-traditional grapes could also adapt themselves to the local climate and soil. In terms of the sheer variety of high class wines, this is the leading estate in the region and seems fully prepared to compete in a future which promises significantly more competition.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411