MaZero 2016

Overview

MaZero 2016 is a natural sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay, grown on calcareous soils. With only 3,000 bottles produced, it represents one of Masiero’s most elegant and refined expressions. The wine combines freshness, minerality, and aromatic complexity thanks to spontaneous fermentation, aging in acacia barrels, and natural bottle fermentation with BOSCHERA grape must. Intense and harmonious, it reflects the character of the terroir and Masiero’s biodynamic tradition.

History of the wine

MaZero was conceived to create a unique sparkling wine that showcases the potential of hill-grown Chardonnay. The vineyards, planted in 1990, demonstrate Masiero’s foresight in cultivating premium varieties on calcareous soils. MaZero 2016 unites experience, patience, and respect for nature, resulting in a natural sparkling wine of rare elegance and personality.

Vineyard philosophy

The Chardonnay vines are hand-tended without chemical or synthetic products, following the biodynamic calendar and natural viticulture principles. Manual harvesting ensures only the best clusters are selected, preserving integrity and freshness. The calcareous soil provides elegant acidity and refined minerality, forming the foundation of MaZero 2016’s distinctive character.

Cellar approach

After harvest, the grapes are immediately pressed, and fermentation occurs spontaneously in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. The wine ages in acacia barrels until the secondary fermentation. Bottle fermentation is carried out with only 10% BOSCHERA grape must. Bottles remain on the lees for 24 months before disgorgement and recorking, with minimal topping to replace losses. No fining or filtration is performed.

Tasting notes and pairings

MaZero 2016 displays a bright straw-yellow color with fine, persistent perlage. Aromas of ripe yellow fruit, citrus, white flowers, and subtle mineral hints emerge. On the palate, it is creamy, harmonious, and enveloping, with vibrant acidity providing freshness and structure. The finish is long, elegant, and saline, perfect with seafood starters, shellfish, grilled fish, and fresh cheeses.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Masiero

• Vintage: 2016

• Grape variety: Chardonnay 100%

• Soil: Calcareous

• Vineyard planted: 1990

• Bottles produced: 3,000

• Harvest: Manual

• Vinification: Immediate pressing, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts

• Aging: Acacia barrels, bottle fermentation with 10% BOSCHERA must, 24 months on lees

• Fining/Filtration: None

• Format: 0.75 l

• Alcohol: 12% 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.