Overlooking the beautiful Ticino landscape, Tenuta Castello di Morcote sits in the center of the Arbostora promontory above Lake Ceresio. The terraced 10-hectare vineyard is spotted with olive trees, orchards and stone farmhouses that add to the whimsical, almost dreamlike environment. Built in the 15th century by the Visconti, Dukes of Milan, this medieval castle is the last remaining military fortress in the Sottoceneri region. The estate has been under the Gianini family ownership since the 1940s. Today, this highly-biodiverse environment and unique terroir – owes its succuess to its lakeside microclimate and soils that are rich in red porphyry (volcanic rock). has led to the production of extremely indigenous wines. In recent years, all of the vineyards have been convereted to organic and biodynamic farming pratices. Following in the quintessential Ticino style, Castello di Morcote crafts many very high-caliber Merlot blends.