Masiero Urban 2020

Urban is Masiero's expression of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc from Veneto, Italy. Medium-bodied with black fruit, spice, and bitter chocolate, this wine shows what these Bordeaux varieties can do when they're grown on volcanic soils and handled with care.

Established in 2000 on the hills around Trissino, Masiero sits at an altitude of around 400 metres, where a natural amphitheater facing south-east embraces the vines. On this earth of volcanic origin, Merlot and Pinot Nero grapes are grown following a modern biodynamic technique. This idea originates from the desire to respect the natural environment, avoiding any possible chemical intervention that could alter the peculiarity of the microclimate or destroy the vitality of the soil.

The spontaneous fermentation takes place in open wooden vats, where the grapes are left in contact with their skins for 30 days. This extended maceration extracts colour, tannin, and complexity from the skins. Maturation and aging take place in concrete tubs and lasts 12 months, followed by another 12 months in the bottle before release.

What you get is medium-bodied wine with black fruit, spice, and bitter chocolate. The volcanic soils bring minerality and structure, while the extended maceration and aging create layers of complexity. The combination of Merlot's plushness and Cabernet Franc's herbal notes creates a balanced, characterful wine.

Serve it at room temperature with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, pasta with rich sauces, or aged cheeses. This is honest, characterful Veneto wine from a biodynamic producer committed to respecting the natural environment, perfect for those looking for something with real structure and complexity from volcanic soils.