Masaréj

This outstanding expression of the indigenous Barbera grape and of its production zone is a wine that retains an enviable freshness. It surprises us when it first encounters our palate, because it succeeds in reconciling two opposite elements: acidity and structure. It offers an impeccable expression of the terroir of the Asti area, with its concentrated red fruit (especially cherries) but also leather and a faint gaminess. Masaréj, a red of outstanding finesse, matures for almost two years in barrel and then in bottle. It is perfect with beef, game or substantial pasta dishes, but it is also an excellent foil for autumnal delicacies such as mushrooms and truffles or other hearty country fare.

Appellation

Barbera d’Asti DOCG

Area

Portacomaro d’Asti

Grapes

100% Barbera

Type of soil

In the commune of Portacomaro d’Asti, on the gentle hillsides of the Monferrato in the Province of Asti.

The deep, sub-alkaline soils are a mixture of silt and clay, and have evolved on eluvio-colluvial deposits which overlay more ancient deposits: the Clays of Lugagnano and the Sands of Asti.

Training system

Classic Guyot.

Plant density

4,500 vines per hectare (1,820 per acre). The average age of the vines is 16 years.

Yield

52 quintals of grapes per hectare.

Vinification and ageing

Traditional vinifi cation in vertical fermentation tanks, with a long (20 days), delicate maceration on the skins, following the crushing and de-stalking of the hand-picked grapes. The wine is de-vatted after 14 days and the malolactic fermentation completes. It is then aged for 1 year in tonneaux of 500 and 700 litres and for a further 8 months in bottle.

Alcohol level

14,5% vol.

Bottle size

750 ml - 1500 ml