About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from vineyards near San Ambrogio di Valpolicella, on land owned by the Alighieri family. The vines grow in red soils with a substantial layer of humus and a high limestone content. The Serego Alighieri estate comprises 130 ha of gently hilly land, where vines, fruit trees and olive trees are cultivated.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested in mid-October and fermented in stainless-steel tanks at 24–26 °C for two weeks. Malolactic fermentation then takes place for 15 days at 18–20 °C with dried grapes of the same varieties.
Ageing
The wine matures for 18 months in oak barrels, followed by approximately four months in 600-litre cherrywood barrels and six months in bottle.
Vintage notes
In 2008, conditions were favourable for grape ripening. Heavy rainfall throughout spring caused no major problems, while seasonal temperatures remained close to the regional norm.
Label / history
Masi has worked with the Serego Alighieri estate for almost 40 years. The property has belonged to descendants of Dante Alighieri since 1353 and has remained within the family for more than six centuries; its winegrowing tradition is now continued by the family's 20th generation. More recently, Masi and Serego Alighieri jointly acquired the Poderi del Bello Olive vineyard in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, marking the Alighieri family's return to its historic roots.
