Oseleta

Oseleta is an ancient, native Veronese variety rediscovered by Masi in the Eighties. It had long been deleted from Italian ampelographic rolls, as it was considered extinct. One reason being that its very low yield meant that it fell from favour at the time of post-phylloxera replanting.

In 1985, Masi planted the first two hectares of Oseleta in three vineyards with different soils, orientations to the sun and microclimatic conditions, to check suitability. Further vineyards were planted by Masi on its own property and that of Possessioni Serego Alighieri. In the meantime, the grape began to attract interest from others, especially after Masi held two technical seminars on the theme of Oseleta at Vinitaly.

In 2000 Oseleta was reinserted into the national ampelography as a typical Venetian variety suitable for improving red wines. Later, in 2003, it was given official recognition in the regulations for the production of Valpolicella and Amarone.

Today, Oseleta provides interesting new possibilities for modernisation and characterisation throughout Veronese and Venetian winemaking. With its small grapes and relatively large pips, plus its modest yield in the vineyard, Oseleta produces around 30% less juice than other varieties after pressing. The advantages of Oseleta are its thick and dark skin, which gives deep colour to the wine and aromas of wild berries, plus the pips, which provide attractive tannins when perfectly ripe.

Today, Oseleta gives unique personality to several Masi wines:

• Osar
• Toar
• Brolo Campofiorin
• Riserva di Costasera