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Masottina: Why the Rive di Ogliano is the prized crown jewel of the Dal Biancos

Sparkling Wine
Italy

Situated in the hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, that are UNESCO World Heritage, Masottina creates iconic sparkling wines since 1946.

Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Masottina is more than just a winery; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Dal Bianco family. Founded in 1946, the company began with Epifanio Dal Bianco's acquisition of the Ai Palazzi estate, a modest 5-hectare vineyard with a manor house in Gorgo al Monticano. During the restoration of the manor, an ancient inscription, Casa Masottina, was uncovered, thus giving birth to a name that would become synonymous with exceptional winemaking.

From its humble beginnings, Masottina has blossomed into a symbol of Italian vinous excellence, reflecting the two winemaking souls of the Dal Bianco family: Masottina, devoted to Prosecco and sparkling wines, and the Ai Palazzi brand, focused on producing still wines. Over the decades, the Dal Biancos have expanded their vineyards to nearly 220 hectares, meticulously managed by the family across the Colli di Conegliano and the fertile lands of Piave.

Today, the second generation of the Dal Bianco family, led by enologist Adriano Dal Bianco, continues to uphold the values set forth by Epifanio. Adriano's sons, Federico and Filippo, have also joined the leadership, propelling Masottina to new heights while adhering to the family's guiding principles of quality, sustainability, and a deep respect for the land. Their efforts have culminated in a vineyard park that not only embodies the essence of the territory but also serves as the foundation for Masottina's renowned wines.

One of the winery’s crowning achievements is its Rive di Ogliano, a sparkling wine that captures the unique character of the Ogliano sub-zone in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG area. The Rive designation, introduced in 2009, is reserved for wines that reflect the essence of their specific location, produced from grapes hand-harvested from a single site. Among these, Rive di Ogliano stands out as a true gem, with the Dal Bianco family cultivating 20 percent of the vineyard area in this hilly region.

The terroir of Ogliano is unlike any other in Conegliano Valdobbiadene. The steep slopes, which rise between 60 and 170 meters above sea level, provide an optimal environment for viticulture, benefiting from constant ventilation and significantly lower rainfall than the surrounding areas. Ogliano’s morainic soils, a legacy of its glacial origin, are rich and fertile, ensuring a natural reserve of water that sustains the vines during dry spells. This unique combination of factors results in a terroir that imparts exceptional characteristics to the wines produced here.

Masottina has masterfully harnessed the potential of Ogliano through its R.D.O. (Rive di Ogliano) collection, which includes two standout Prosecco Superiore wines.

Brilliant greenish yellow with a silvery shimmer. Delicate on the nose, lemon zest, some pear, light mineral notes on the finish. Fine mousse on the palate, beautiful alternation...
Veneto, Italy
Brilliant, light straw yellow with silver nuances and a persistent mousse. Elegant on the nose with mineral notes, plus some stone fruit and a hint of elderberry. Beautiful...
Veneto, Italy

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