About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the “Possessione” vineyard near Saint Ambrose in the Rosso del Veronese area. The vines grow in loose red soils rich in humus and limestone.
Vinification
For the 2009 vintage, harvesting began in late September. Fermentation lasted 15 days at a controlled temperature of 24–26 °C. Maceration took about 10 days, followed by malolactic fermentation lasting 15–20 days.
Ageing
The wine matured for nine months in 25-hectolitre barrels and then for three months in 600-litre cherry-wood barrels. It rested for a further three months in bottle before release.
Vintage notes
In 2009, winter snow and spring rain supported normal vine development. Temperatures were slightly above average throughout the year, bringing ripening forward by about 10 days. Yields were 10% lower than in 2008. In early September, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures encouraged strong aromatic development in the grapes.
Label / history
Masi has worked with the Serego Alighieri estate for almost 40 years. The estate covers 130 hectares of gentle hills in Valpolicella, where grapes, fruit trees and olive trees are cultivated. It has belonged to descendants of Dante since 1353 and has remained in the family for more than six centuries; its vine-growing tradition is now continued by a member of the twentieth generation. Masi and Serego Alighieri later jointly acquired the “Poderi del Bello Olive” vineyard in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany.
