Oseleta

Oseleta is an ancient Veronese grape variety rediscovered by Masi in the 1980s: it had been long deleted from the Italian ampelographic roll as it had been thought extinct, and was not taken into consideration for post-phylloxera replanting because of its extremely low yield.

In 1985, Masi planted its first two hectares of Oseleta, choosing three vineyards with different soil, exposure and microclimatic conditions in order to test its viability. Further plantings were subsequently made by Masi in its own vineyards and in the Possessioni di Serego Alighieri. In the meantime, interest in this grape began to grow, particularly after Masi held two technical seminars on Oseleta at Vinitaly.

In 2000, Oseleta was reinstated in the national ampelographic roll as a typical Veneto variety suitable for the enhancement of red wines. Later, in 2003, it was made part of the regulations for Valpolicella and Amarone. 

Today, Oseleta provides opportunities to revitalise and give further definition to wines in the Veronese and Veneto tradition. With small grapes and large pips, plus only a moderate yield in the vineyard, Oseleta produces a good 30% less juice than other varieties during pressing. The great worth of Oseleta is the thick, dark skins, which make the wine rich in colour and full of berry fruit aromas, while the pips provide attractive tannins on the palate once fully ripe.

Today, Oseleta helps define the character of several Masi wines:

- Osar

- Toar

- Brolo Campofiorin

- Riserva di Costasera