Ai Palazzi (2010) - Masottina
In the heart of the Veneto, among the gentle hills of the Piave, lies a fascinating story tied to the wine "Ai Palazzi" from the Masottina winery. Founded by the Dal Bianco family, the estate has deep roots in the area, going back to the '40s. The 2010 vintage of their Merlot, under the Piave DOC appellation, is a tribute to the winegrowing tradition of the area. One intriguing detail is that the name "Ai Palazzi" comes from an old Venetian palace which, according to legend, hosted lavish banquets where the wine flowed freely, celebrating the art and culture of good living.
The appellation: Piave DOC
Piave DOC is a controlled designation of origin in the heart of the Veneto, officially recognised in 2010. This wine, which can be produced in several versions, represents a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, reflecting the distinctive character of the area crossed by the river Piave.
Read more about Piave DOCWhat to eat with Ai Palazzi
Who makes it: Masottina
Founded in 1946, Masottina is a historic winery in the heart of the Colli di Conegliano, in Veneto. With a planted area of over 280 hectares, it is one of the region's most significant wine producers, devoted to making high-quality wines and sparkling wines. The winery is run by the Dal Bianco family, who for three generations have worked to showcase the area through sustainable viticulture and innovative techniques. Thanks to this combination of tradition and modernity, Masottina's wines express the unique features of the local soil and climate to the full, offering a wide range of products, from Proseccos to sparkling wines and fine reds and whites.
Read more about MasottinaThe vine of Ai Palazzi
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most widespread and appreciated black grape varieties in the world. Native to France, and in particular to the Bordeaux region, it is known for its softness, its fruity profile and its ability to adapt to different styles of wine, from single-varietal bottlings to quality blends. Its versatility makes it ideal for producing fresh, ready-to-drink wines but also structured, long-lived labels.
Find out moreAi Palazzi: the Piave area
Piave
The Piave wine district lies in the heart of the Veneto, an area rich in history and winegrowing tradition. This region has a favourable climate, with both Alpine and Mediterranean influences, which helps create an ideal setting for growing a range of grape varieties. The Piave is known for producing high-quality wines, among them robust reds and fresh, aromatic whites, which reflect the unique terroir of the area.
Read more about PiaveClimate: Mediterranean
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Clay
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Ai Palazzi
Primary aromas: Cherry, Ripe red fruit
Secondary aromas: Spices, Vanilla
Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco
Tasting notes: A Merlot riserva with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a long finish.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Well integrated |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Long |
| Colour | Ruby red |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Ai Palazzi
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Ai Palazzi
In barrique (7–18 months)
Ageing in barrique for 7 to 18 months is one of the most common stages for medium- and full-bodied wines, where the wood has time to interact with the wine in depth without dominating it. This length gives balanced wines, with greater aromatic complexity, polished tannins and a more refined evolutionary profile, keeping varietal and tertiary notes in balance.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Ai Palazzi
- No contact with the lees