Cantine Maschio

Originally a distillery that had existed for several centuries, Cantine Maschio was transformed into a winery in 1973, when Bonaventura Maschio decided to change its direction. Always in tune with the times, he tried to be as modern as possible in viticulture and production methods, which proved to be the right decision. Today, the Maschio Chardonnay and the Maschio Pinot Rosa are two of the best-selling wines in Italy.

Successful sparkling wines from Veneto - Cantine Maschio

The Maschios’ grapes come from the Prosecco region in Veneto. On the hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, as well as in the Piave Valley, the grapes for the family’s wines ripen. Accordingly, their name has now naturally become inseparably linked with Italian sparkling wine. Cantine Maschio was able to benefit from the growing popularity of the aperitivo culture and expand its reputation. The Venetian tradition of the “ombra”, a glass you drink with friends, is emblematic of this lifestyle.

The grapes and the Maschio wines

White grape varieties account for the largest share of the harvest at Cantine Maschio:

• Glera
• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Pinot Bianco
• Gewürztraminer

In addition to these classics, the Verduzzo grape variety, which is native to Veneto, is also cultivated. Pinot Noir is grown as the only red variety for the rosé wines. Innovation, as already mentioned, is a fundamental pillar of Maschio, and thus the cellar uses modern techniques such as cold extraction of the juice and cooling of the must with nitrogen.

The production of sparkling wine

In contrast to classic sparkling wine production with a double fermentation, Maschio performs only a single fermentation, using only the must from the first pressing. The wine then ferments for about 4 weeks in a pressure tank and can be bottled afterwards.

17 different wines are now produced at Maschio. The main volume consists of sparkling wines with the classic Prosecco, but varietal Traminer or Chardonnay also undergo bottle fermentation. Rosé sparkling wines are also offered. In addition, several semi-sparkling wines such as Prosecco Frizzante or other grape varieties like the aforementioned Verduzzo also have their place.