Cabernet Franc 2023 – MAS Bergomas

Overview

The Cabernet Franc 2023 from MAS Bergomas is an elegant red wine full of character, produced exclusively from this noble variety. A 10-day maceration in steel gives it an intense ruby color and a harmonious structure, with aromas of ripe red fruits, subtle vegetal hints, and delicate spicy notes. On the palate, it is fresh, balanced, and persistent, with soft tannins and a harmonious finish that invites slow enjoyment.

History

Cabernet Franc has always been one of the most iconic varieties in Friuli and for the MAS winery. Massimo Bergomas chose to vinify it following a natural and organic approach, respecting both tradition and terroir. Since the first harvest, this wine has been conceived to express the authentic character of the variety and the identity of the vineyard, while maintaining freshness and elegance.

Vineyard Approach

The grapes come from 0.5 hectares planted on clay soils, ideal for balanced ripening and complex aroma development. Viticulture is organic and natural, with spontaneous cover crops and no synthetic treatments. Manual harvesting ensures the selection of the best bunches, preserving the quality and integrity of the fruit.

Winemaking Philosophy

Vinification involves a 10-day maceration in steel, followed by spontaneous fermentation and 6 months of aging in steel. No fining or filtration is performed, and no sulfur dioxide is added. After steel aging, the wine rests a few months in the bottle before release, preserving freshness and expressing the true character of Cabernet Franc.

Food Pairings

The Cabernet Franc 2023 pairs beautifully with grilled white or red meats, roasts, mushroom dishes, or light game. Thanks to its freshness and soft tannins, it also complements aged cheeses or savory vegetable tarts, making it a versatile companion for the table.

Technical Sheet

• Designation: Isonzo DOC

• Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc

• Vineyard area: 0.5 ha

• Soil: clay

• Average vine age: –

• Viticulture: organic, natural

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: 10-day maceration in steel + spontaneous fermentation

• Aging: 6 months in steel + a few months in bottle

• Fining: none

• Filtration: none

• SO₂ added: none

• Production: 2,600 bottles

• Serving temperature: 14–16 °C

• Aging potential: 4–6 years

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MAS Bergomas

MAS is a deliberately provocative name: in Friulian it means “crazy”. Yet Massimo Bergomas, an ironic, intelligent, and passionate winemaker, is anything but crazy. He personally manages the winery and works daily in both the vineyard and the cellar, assisted by his young son Alessio.

Since 2001, the founding year of the winery, MAS Bergomas has been certified organic, a mark of respect for the land and local environment that still defines all production.

The Vineyards

MAS Bergomas’ vineyards cover 5 hectares owned and 7 hectares rented, located in the DOC Isonzo, a small jewel of responsible viticulture. The winery is in Corona, a hamlet of Mariano del Friuli at the foot of the Collio hills, surrounded by endless stretches of vineyards.

The cultivated grape varieties include Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Malvasia, and Cabernet Franc. The vineyards use the Guyot training system, with a maximum yield of 70 quintals per hectare, ensuring limited bottles but with strong character.

The approach to the medium clay-loam soil emphasizes spontaneous grassing and the use of green manure. In the vineyard, no synthetic chemicals are used, and in the cellar, the focus is on native yeasts, a drastic reduction of sulfur dioxide, and minimal intervention to highlight the terroir’s natural expression.

Iconic Wines and Projects

Massimo Bergomas draws inspiration to create new projects almost every year. In 2020/2021, he launched the copper blend “Robis di Mas”, a wine full of character and irony, whose name in Friulian literally means “crazy stuff.” A wine to taste to believe.

The Chardonnay and Sauvignon blend is called Shiro, named after Massimo’s dog. Curiously, in Japanese, “Shiro” means “white”—a simple yet meaningful name that reflects the playful and authentic spirit of the winery.