Quattromani — The Great Ticino Merlot Born from Four Signatures

Quattromani is one of the most emblematic red wines of Ticino. This Merlot del Ticino DOC was born from a rare collaboration between major figures of Ticino winegrowing, united by a single ambition: to produce a great Swiss Merlot capable of expressing the depth, ripeness and elegance of the southern Alps.

The name Quattromani — literally “four hands” — symbolises the meeting of several forms of expertise. The wine is based on selected Merlot grapes from different areas of Ticino, creating a blend that is dense, refined and immediately recognisable. It is now an important reference for lovers of fine Swiss wine.

A collective cuvée that became a benchmark

Quattromani is built on a strong idea: to bring together several leading Ticino producers around a common wine, made from rigorous selections of Merlot. This approach creates a cuvée that goes beyond an individual signature to become a collective expression of Ticino’s potential.

Ticino occupies a singular place in Swiss wine. Its sunnier climate, Mediterranean influence, marked diurnal ranges and diverse soils offer Merlot a particularly favourable environment. The grape reaches fine ripeness while retaining the freshness needed to avoid heaviness.

Quattromani belongs to this dynamic: it shows that Swiss Merlot can produce wines of depth, amplitude and ageing potential, while retaining an Alpine identity and great textural precision.

Terroirs: Ticino, between sun, freshness and precision

Ticino benefits from a unique climate in Switzerland, marked by generous light, southern influences and sufficiently cool nights to preserve aromatic balance. These conditions allow Merlot to develop aromas of black fruit, plum, ripe cherry and spice, while maintaining a fresh and elegant frame.

The diversity of Ticino’s winegrowing areas makes it possible to compose a balanced cuvée: some parcels bring power and structure, others more finesse, freshness or aromatic elegance. Quattromani draws its complexity from this complementarity.

Merlot, introduced to Ticino in the early 20th century, has found one of its most convincing homes outside Bordeaux. In Quattromani, it appears in a ripe, velvety and structured style, without excessive heaviness.

Vinification: a selected and blended Merlot

Quattromani is conceived as a selection cuvée. Each contribution is designed to bring a particular dimension to the wine: fruit depth, tannin quality, freshness, structure, elegance or length. The aim is not simply to produce a powerful Merlot, but a harmonious and complete wine.

Ageing supports this ambition, with a search for texture, precision and oak integration. The style is modern but not excessive: the goal is to preserve the identity of Ticino Merlot while giving it the stature of a fine age-worthy wine.

Wine style

Quattromani stands out for its generous substance, careful structure and velvety texture. It expresses the sunny side of Ticino, yet remains balanced by enough freshness to retain fine drinkability. Black fruit dominates, accompanied by cocoa, spice, tobacco and precious wood notes.

In the best vintages, the wine gains complexity after a few years in the cellar. The fruit becomes darker, the tannins soften and notes of forest floor, fine leather and truffle gradually appear. It is a Swiss wine of character, ideal for showing the potential of Ticino Merlot both at the table and in the cellar.

Emblematic cuvée

Ageing and gastronomic pairings

Quattromani can be enjoyed after a few years in the cellar, but good vintages can evolve for 8 to 15 years, sometimes longer in large formats. The wine then gains aromatic complexity, with notes of truffle, fine leather, forest floor and spice.

At the table, it pairs beautifully with rib of beef, beef fillet, roast lamb, game, mushroom risotto, creamy polenta, truffle dishes, mature cheeses and characterful Ticino or Italian cuisine. Its velvety texture also works well with slow-cooked dishes and reduced jus sauces.