Overview

Campo da Calcio 2019 is a natural red wine made from 100% Merlot grown on calcareous soils in the Vicenza hills. Produced in only 4,000 bottles, it perfectly expresses the character of the variety and the Masiero philosophy: authenticity, transparency, and respect for the fruit. Spontaneous fermentation and exclusive cement aging create a wine that is fresh, fragrant, and highly drinkable, while retaining depth, elegance, and balance. This is a wine that communicates its terroir with immediacy and sincerity.

History of the wine

The name Campo da Calcio refers to the vineyard plot planted in 1990, which once hosted a football field. This symbolic connection inspired a wine that combines conviviality and memory, capturing the lightness and approachability of Merlot in a natural, artisanal style. Campo da Calcio 2019 is part of Masiero’s project to celebrate international varieties cultivated with respect, offering a unique expression of the local terroir that is both authentic and enjoyable.

Vineyard philosophy

The Merlot vines, over thirty years old, are cared for manually with practices that respect the environment. Harvest takes place at the end of August, when the grapes reach an ideal balance of sugars and acidity. The calcareous soil provides freshness and mineral tension, enhancing the aromatic profile with vibrant, expressive fruit. No synthetic interventions are used, allowing the grapes to fully reveal their natural character and purity.

Cellar approach

In the cellar, simplicity guides the process. Fermentation begins spontaneously in cement tanks, following gentle destemming and crushing, with only a few days of skin contact to extract color and aroma without excessive tannins. After soft pressing, the wine returns to cement tanks until bottling. No fining or filtration is applied, preserving the lively essence of the wine and its direct, natural expression.

Tasting notes and pairings

Campo da Calcio 2019 shows a bright ruby red color. Aromas are intense and fragrant, featuring fresh red fruits, crunchy cherries, subtle floral notes, and a light herbal touch. On the palate it is fresh, agile, and juicy, with a clean, persistent finish. Ideal for simple and convivial dishes such as cold cuts, young cheeses, light pasta, and grilled foods. This wine celebrates shared moments and easy enjoyment.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Masiero

• Vintage: 2019

• Grape variety: Merlot 100%

• Soil: Calcareous

• Vineyard planted: 1990

• Bottles produced: 4,000

• Harvest: Manual, end of August

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation in cement, brief maceration on skins, soft pressing

• Aging: Cement until bottling

• Fining/Filtration: None

• Format: 0.75 l

• Alcohol: 12.5% vol. (approx.)

• Contains sulfites

Masiero – Azienda Agricola

Overview

Masiero is a family-run winery in the heart of Vicenza that embodies the belief that agriculture can truly preserve the land. Rooted in biodynamics and respect for nature, the estate is dedicated to native and historic varieties such as Tai Rosso, Garganega (once called Dorona), and Pinot Grigio Ramato. Each bottle reflects volcanic soils, experimentation, and a deep connection to tradition and territory.

The history of Masiero

The story began in the early 2000s, when Franco Masiero planted his first row of Merlot. What started as a pastime soon turned into Verdugo, a wine that transparently reveals both volcanic terroir and family passion. In 2015, together with his wife Francesca and daughter Giulia, Franco began a new project to restore an old vineyard in Sant’Urbano, on soils of marl and volcanic rock. This land rekindled their love for the area’s ancient grape varieties, with Tai Rosso being its centennial soul.

Vineyard philosophy

In the vineyard, everything revolves around balance, the core principle of biodynamics. Human intervention always follows the needs of nature, guided by the biodynamic calendar, which takes into account the influence of celestial rhythms. Pruning, green pruning, and harvesting are carried out by hand, while copper and sulfur treatments are applied using a lightweight crawler tractor to avoid soil compaction. No synthetic chemicals are ever used.

Work in the cellar

In the winery, the same principles apply: no selected yeasts, no added sulfur, no temperature control, and no chemical additives. The wines are guided through spontaneous fermentation and natural evolution, reflecting the singularity of each vintage. Cleanliness and precision ensure that the fruit’s authenticity remains untouched, while experimentation with new materials meets the rediscovery of ancient methods.

Identity of the wines

Masiero wines are alive, expressive, and unrepeatable, a direct expression of the land and the year that shaped them. They combine authenticity, innovation, and heritage, giving voice to Vicenza’s volcanic terroir and its forgotten grapes.