A Merlot with character, origin, and soul.
D.O.P. stands for Denominazione di Origine Protetta a European designation of protected origin. It guarantees that both the grapes and the production come from a specific region, following local tradition.
In this case: a Merlot D.O.P. from the province of Viterbo, Lazio, grown on volcanic soil under the sun of Central Italy.
This Merlot is warm, smooth, and full-bodied, with notes of black cherry, plum, Mediterranean herbs, and a subtle peppery finish. Already beautifully drinkable now, but with time, it will become softer, deeper, and more complex revealing aromas of leather, tobacco, and ripe fruit.
Best enjoyed with:
grilled meats, mushroom risotto, stews, aged cheeses… or simply: good conversation.
The winemaker told us:
“I don’t sell this wine to the masses — only to locals from the region.
And we enjoy it ourselves. At the table, it’s the favorite of our mayor, our friends, and our family.”
He knows: this is a true Merlot pure, uncompromising, organic, free of pesticides, and made in small quantities.
And we saw something in that. That evening, around his wooden table among the vines, became something special.
He shared stories full of pride and tradition, but also about the growing risks of climate change, and how a single failed harvest can set everything back. Waiting for the next vintage takes time, and hope.
As social entrepreneurs, we understand risk and the value of perseverance.
And we also understood why wines like this often remain unknown: small production, limited means, and the threshold to enter the market professionally is simply too high. Especially after setbacks. The dedication it takes is immense and many simply can’t keep going. Their legacy fades far too soon.
You’ve heard stories like this before.
But this one stayed with us. Maybe it was the winemaker. Maybe it was the Merlot. Either way, we knew we had to do something different.
Not big. Not mass-produced. No vineyard of our own. But going out there. Discovering. Listening. Being selective.
And then: helping share these wines under a private label not for profit, but to support their makers and preserve their craft.
Dream in a Bottle – Merlot D.O.P. 2024 is the first in line. And we’ve already found more special places, small Italian vineyards with big stories.
Italy is full of them. And we’re inviting you to come along on this journey to taste wines that speak, and to support the people behind them.
RiMo is not a brand.
It’s a selection of wines you feel. That you remember. That you truly want to pour.
Join. Taste. Experience.
And discover a Merlot D.O.P. you might never have encountered otherwise.
