Masiero – Verdugo 2019

Overview

Verdugo 2019 is the flagship wine of the Masiero family: a 100% Merlot grown on volcanic soils, harvested by hand and vinified with full respect for nature. Produced in just 4,000 bottles, it is an elegant and authentic red wine, expressing both the power and finesse of Vicenza’s volcanic terroir.

The story of the wine

Verdugo was the very first step in Franco Masiero’s journey into winemaking. What started as an experiment in the early 2000s has become a symbol of identity. The 2019 vintage confirms this project: a red of character, born from meticulous care and the desire to bottle the true voice of the volcano.

Vineyard philosophy

Planted in 2001, the Merlot vines grow on volcanic soils that impart depth and minerality. Manual, biodynamic-oriented farming excludes synthetic chemicals, relying only on copper and sulfur. Harvest is done by hand to ensure perfect grape selection and integrity.

Winemaking approach

Spontaneous fermentation in open wooden vats, with 20 days of skin contact, defines the Verdugo 2019. It is then matured for 12 months in large oak casks and refined for at least another 12 months in bottle. No fining or filtration, to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression.

Tasting notes

• Color: deep ruby red with garnet hues.

• Nose: ripe red fruits, sweet spices, balsamic hints, mineral undertones.

• Palate: structured and enveloping, with elegant tannins, balance between power and freshness, long mineral finish.

Pairings

Perfect with red meats, game, braised dishes and aged cheeses. Also pairs beautifully with traditional Venetian cuisine such as baccalà alla vicentina. A wine for special occasions or meditative tasting.

Technical sheet

• Producer: Masiero

• Name: Verdugo

• Vintage: 2019

• Region: Veneto

• Grape: Merlot 100%

• Vineyard planted: 2001

• Soil: volcanic

• Harvest: manual

• Fermentation: spontaneous, open wooden vats, 20 days skin contact

• Aging: 12 months in large oak casks + 12 months in bottle

• Bottles produced: 4,000

• Format: 0.75 l

• Country: Italy

• Contains sulfites

See all products of Masiero

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.