Merlot 'Verdugo' Masiero 2018

Merlot 'Verdugo' is not only one of the most representative wines of the Vicenza-based Masiero winery, but also represents its most authentic face, expressing its soul and essence. It is the synthesis of a journey that began in 2001 with the creation of the vineyard and the choice of a Bordeaux grape variety particularly suited to the local soil and climate conditions. The excellent quality of the grapes suggested the creation of a red wine with a good structure, which also thanks to long ageing in wood presents a rich aromatic complexity and considerable longevity. It conquers with its soft personality, its intense and dense fruit, and its immediate and lively taste pleasure.

Verdugo' is a Merlot made near Trissino, where Franco Masiero owns a family-run estate, managed with great passion. The activity began almost as a pastime, with the first Merlot vines planted with the idea of producing some wine to share with friends. The encouraging results of the first vinifications then led to a more ambitious and structured project. The soils are of ancient volcanic origin, rich in minerals. The vineyards are managed according to biodynamic principles, with the utmost respect for the environment. Treatments are only carried out with sulphur, copper and natural preparations. Harvesting is carried out manually and the Merlot grapes are fermented spontaneously using only indigenous yeasts in open vats, with about three weeks' maceration on the skins. The wine matures for a period of approximately one year in large oak barrels and completes the ageing process with a further 12 months in the bottle.

Masiero's red Merlot 'Verdugo' is a wine made with spirit and craftsmanship, born of Franco's great love for his land and his passion for viticulture. It is the fruit of a great deal of work in the vineyard, which is reflected in its frank and genuine character. Bright ruby red in colour, it expresses on the nose intense aromas of small berries, wild blackberries, currants, raspberries, delicate spicy hints and nuances of officinal and balsamic herbs, typical of the evolution of Merlot. With a good structure, it presents a fine tannic texture, well integrated and enveloped by a dense and juicy fruit, which conquers for its breadth, richness and expressive harmony. The finish is of good persistence.