Seventy-five years ago, the Dal Bianco family began their journey into wine. The year was 1946 when Epifanio purchased the Ai Palazzi estate at Gorgo at Monticano. When purchased the estate had 5 hectares of vineyards and a farmhouse. Today Masottina owns 280 hectares of vineyards in the Conegliano hills, on the River Piave, Gorgo a la Monticano and Mogliano Veneto. They produce a beautiful range of Prosecco and Sparkling Wines under the Masottina brand and Ai Palazzi Masottina brand for their still wines.
I had the opportunity in November to taste through the Masottina Prosecco portfolio celebrating their 75 years of production. My conclusion is that they are all very nice impressive Prosecco’s that really express the terroir of the regions the grapes are grown in. All the Prosecco tasted below are made from 100% Glera grapes, reasonably priced and great for every day.
Calmaggiore Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut SRP $14 – Fresh and expressive this Prosecco is pale yellowish in color. Notes of citrus, pear and green apple. Nicely balanced.
Costabella Prosecco DOC Organic Brut SRP $14 – The grapes for this wine come from vineyards cultivated using organic methods without using chemical fertilizers. Pale straw yellow in color and very soft on the palate with a lingering citrus finish. This Prosecco is a little more full-bodied and elegant with notes of orchard apple and citrus. Would pair really well with a Caesar Salad.
Collezione Contrada Granda Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut SRP $17 – The grapes come from the heart of Prosecco, Conegliano Valdobbiadene three areas: Ogliano, Solighetto and Rolle. Grapes from each of these areas contribute different personality to the wine from the terroir. From Ogliano you get the complexity and aromatic intensity of the fruit. Floral hints from the grapes from Solighetto and acidity from Rolle. Aromas of fresh pear and white flowers, lead to a palate that is smooth, fresh and balanced.
Collezione Contrada Granda Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry SRP $17 – Aromas of white flowers, fresh orchard apples and pears lead to a creamy palate with notes of tart apple and a touch of sweetness.
Collezione R.D.O.Coneliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Ogliano DOCG R.D.O Ponente Brut Millesimato SRP $20 – The grapes for this wine come from a single vineyards that faces the south-west that get more exposure to sunlight. Beautiful structure and elegance, yet complex. Aromas of orchard pear, sweet apple, citrus and a hint of flint. Complex palate with notes of sage, tart apple with a citrus finish.
Collezione R.D.O.Coneliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Ogliano DOCG R.D.O Levante Extra Dry Millesimato SRP $20 – Grapes for this wine come from 50 year old vines facing east that are exposed to constant breezes. Another beautiful complex Prosecco. Floral aromas along with citrus and a hint of white pepper lead to a softly structured palate with notes of apple and a touch of minerality.