Shiro 2023 – MAS Bergomas

Overview

Shiro 2023 is a distinctive white wine from Friuli, crafted from a blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Sauvignon. It stands out for its luminous color and its elegant balance between freshness, aromatic intensity, and a refined structure. Notes of white fruit, citrus zest, and delicate floral hints intertwine with a subtle mineral edge, creating a wine that is both vibrant and persistent on the palate.

History

The name Shiro is deeply personal, inspired by the family dog of winemaker Massimo Bergomas. Interestingly, in Japanese, “Shiro” means “white”, a perfect match for a wine that carries both playful irony and symbolic depth. Born as a project close to the heart of the producer, Shiro has grown to become a flagship wine for MAS, embodying the winery’s philosophy of authenticity and creative expression.

Approach in the vineyard

The vines are planted on clay soils, which give body, minerality, and a unique character to the grapes. Viticulture is organic and natural, without synthetic chemicals, respecting biodiversity and the vitality of the land. Every task, from pruning to the manual harvest, is carried out with great care to ensure the integrity of the fruit and its natural balance.

Philosophy in the cellar

Vinification is carried out in stainless steel tanks, using spontaneous fermentations without fining or filtration. The wine matures for 6 months in steel and then spends a few months in bottle before release. No added sulfur dioxide ensures that the purity of the varieties shines through. This minimalist and transparent approach delivers a wine that expresses the terroir with clarity and authenticity.

Food pairings

Shiro 2023 pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, shellfish, raw fish, and delicate summer salads. It also complements fresh cheeses, vegetable risottos, and light pasta dishes. With its freshness and the aromatic contribution of Sauvignon, it is also perfect as an aperitif wine, making it a versatile choice for convivial moments.

Technical sheet

• Designation: Isonzo DOC

• Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Varieties: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Sauvignon

• Vineyard area: 0.5 ha

• Soil: clay

• Average vine age: –

• Viticulture: organic, natural

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: stainless steel

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

• Fining: none

• Filtration: none

• SO₂ added: none

• Production: 2,600 bottles

• Serving temperature: 10–12 °C

• Aging potential: 3–4 years

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.