South of the Alps, Merlot country

With its characteristic southern climate, and hills perfectly exposed to the elements, the conditions are especially favorable in this region for wine-growing – and particularly good for the Merlot grape. The Ticinese have mastered the art of making the prestigious varietal.
Originating in Bordeaux, this type of vine has found a second home in Ticino and wine producers have developed local wines that are recognized internationally. White Merlot, resulting from same type of vine, is a local curiosity.

Tamborini Wines, Lugano

In 1944, Carlo Tamborini founded the Tamborini company in Lugano to import and sell Italian wine. In 1976, a larger wine cellar with a modern bottling plant was built in Lamone, 6 kilometers north of Lugano. Two years later, the company expanded for the first time, adding three new Ticino wines: PoggioSolivo, SanZeno and Comano. The company developed rapidly and in 1992 added another 8,000 square meters. After further renovation, the wine cellar currently has a 10,000 hl capacity.

Today, Tamborini is regarded as one of the most important winegrowers in Ticino’s high-quality wine sector. The company has been awarded numerous prizes at national and international competitions, including the Gold Medal for the 2007 San Zeno Costamagna Riserva at the Concours Mondial du Merlot and the prize for “best Merlot in Switzerland” at the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse. Tamborini cultivates its own vineyards, which comprise about 23 hectares. All vineyards are farmed using integrated production techniques. The grower prefers using methods that have as little impact on the environment as possible, but without adopting all the restrictions customary in organic farming.

Integrated production
Tamborini has run their vineyards for some time now using this method. It guarantees the promotion of viticulture practices that strive to create the finest products with the healthiest grapes while conserving natural resources.