Femar Vini and its history
Today, the Femar Vini winery is one of the most dynamic players on the Italian wine scene. The family business was established by Manlio Mergè and later developed further by his son Felice Mergè, who interpreted his father’s philosophy in a modern way and consistently led it into the future. The Mergè family originally comes from the area of Frascati Monte Porzio Catone in the Agro Romano, a region with a centuries-old wine-growing tradition. From this environment, a company developed from local cellars to an internationally renowned producer.
Femar Vini is based on a blend of tradition and innovation that is typical of many southern and central Italian wineries. While the family’s history is deeply rooted in the Lazio region, production today spans several important Italian wine landscapes – including Puglia, Sicily and the Castelli Romani. This diversity of regions allows the company to create a wide range of products, from fruity and soft to structured and complex.
The Mergè family business
Felice Mergè, the current head of the company, continues the work of his father Manlio, while at the same time giving it a new direction. His commitment to quality is evident in every bottle, regardless of whether it comes from Puglia, Lazio or Sicily. His brother Armando is also part of the company and reinforces the claim that the Mergè brand today stands for high quality products.
The family sees their work not just as production, but as an expression of passion and experience. This passion runs through generations and has made Femar Vini a company whose commitment extends far beyond the borders of Italy. Today, the name Mergè is synonymous with Italian wine enjoyment in many international markets.
Viticulture between tradition and appassimento
A key feature of Femar Vini is its careful vinification, which draws on traditional methods from the wine-growing regions of southern Italy. These include the appassimento method, in which the grapes dry slightly to develop a more intense aroma. This method gives the wine a deep aroma of plums, berries, chocolate and spices and ensures a soft finish.
Depending on the grape variety, fermentation takes place in steel tanks or barriques, whereby the typical characteristics of the grapes are emphasized. The use of barriques gives some red wines notes of vanilla, roasted aromas and coffee, while other wines focus more on fruity accents, flowers and aromas of ripe berries.
Femar Vini as a modern company
Femar Vini has developed considerably in recent decades and is now considered a modern winery that appeals to both wine connoisseurs and beginners. The company invests in new production technologies without turning its back on traditional methods. This blend of old and new is one reason for the high quality and recognizability of the wines.
The family business also attaches great importance to sustainability. The soils are carefully cultivated and the grape varieties are always selected in line with regional conditions. Each bottle should reflect the region it comes from – a philosophy that Felice Mergè puts into practice just like his father.
Bottles, delivery and international presence
Femar Vini now exports its wines to many parts of the world. The company attaches great importance to ensuring that the bottles are both visually appealing and of high quality. The labels are clearly designed and convey the identity of the respective region.
In addition, the stable production structure enables reliable delivery to numerous countries. Femar Vini sees itself as an ambassador for the Italian wine landscape and works continuously to improve the quality of every bottle.
One region, many wine landscapes
Femar Vini’s production philosophy is based on the special characteristics of the regions in which the grapes grow. In Puglia, where Primitivo and Negroamaro are among the most important grape varieties, you will find warm conditions, ruby red colors and aromas of plums, blackberries and dark berries. The region is famous for its powerful red wines with soft tannins that develop a deep aroma on the palate.
Lazio also plays an important role in the company’s orientation. The historical viticulture around Frascati, Castelli Romani and Monte Porzio Catone influences the style of many Epicuro wines, which have a clear link to classic Italian wine culture. The grapes grow here on volcanic soils, which promote a natural acidity structure and elegant fruit aromas.
Sicily complements this spectrum with its millennia-old wine tradition. The island produces aromatic red wines with a southern Italian character, often characterized by a hint of liquorice, violets, cocoa and spices. This diversity makes Femar Vini a supplier that can unite several regions of Italy in a single wine line.
Variety of grape varieties and wine styles
The Femar Vini winery has a wide range of grape varieties from different regions. In addition to Primitivo, Negroamaro and Nero d’Avola, the portfolio also includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Fiano, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Montecore. This diversity enables the company to cater to different taste profiles – from light white wines to complex red wines.
Each grape variety is processed according to the local conditions. The grapes from Puglia receive more sun and warmth, while the grapes from Lazio are characterized by volcanic soils and have a higher acidity structure. In Sicily, on the other hand, the climate gives the grapes an aromatic fullness and a strong body.
Selected wine (lines) from Femar Vini
Epicuro wines – Philosophy according to Epicurus
The name Epicuro deliberately alludes to the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who propagated pleasure and a balanced lifestyle. Femar Vini interprets this approach through wines that are pleasant, soft and accessible, but at the same time have a good balance of aroma, acidity and structure. The Epicuro wines include white and red varieties, including Chardonnay, Fiano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and Montepulciano.
They are an expression of the company’s philosophy: high-quality products that remain affordable without sacrificing quality. Luca Maroni, one of Italy’s best-known wine judges, has awarded various Epicuro wines several times, which has further increased the popularity of this line.
Primitivo di Manduria – Intensity from Puglia
The Primitivo di Manduria from Femar Vini is one of the company’s best-known red wines. The Primitivo grape variety is closely associated with Puglia and produces deep ruby red wines with a soft structure but powerful aromas. On the palate, the wine presents itself with aromas of plums, blackberries, spices and a hint of chocolate.
The good balance of acidity and fruit makes the Primitivo di Manduria particularly versatile. Its body is full, but not heavy, and the finish has the warm, slightly sweet notes that are typical of the region. The bottle exemplifies the concentrated style that has made Puglia’s red wines famous worldwide.
Nero d’Avola Sicilia – character from the south
Another important product of the company is the Nero d’Avola Sicilia. The Nero d’Avola grape variety is one of the most important varieties in Sicily and is often the focus of red wines with good body and aromatic depth. The Nero d’Avola Sicilia from Femar Vini has a dark color and aromas of dark berries, violets, liquorice and a hint of cocoa.
The structure is lively, with well-integrated tannins and a fresh acidity that makes the wine harmonious. Nero d’Avola is an ideal accompaniment to Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza or beef and shows how well Femar Vini can interpret the wine tradition of Sicily.
Passion, tradition and future
Femar Vini combines many elements that are typical of Italian wineries: a strong family business, a long history, the combination of tradition and innovation and the passion of several generations. The wines tell stories of the regions where the grapes grow, of the land and its people.
Felice Mergè and his team work with great dedication to continuously improve the quality of the wines while preserving the typical notes of the regions. It is this combination of origin and innovation that makes Femar Vini an important name in the Italian wine world today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Femar Vini winery
Where is the Femar Vini winery located?
Femar Vini has its roots in Frascati Monte Porzio Catone in Lazio, but works with grapes from Puglia, Sicily and other regions of Italy.
Which grape varieties does Femar Vini mainly use?
The most important varieties include Primitivo, Negroamaro, Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fiano and Chardonnay.
What are Epicuro wines known for?
Epicuro wines stand for accessible enjoyment, soft aromas and a convincing price-performance ratio.
What makes Felice Mergè’s wines stand out?
They combine regional diversity with high quality, distinctive character and a modern interpretation of traditional Italian winemaking.