About Massimago
Massimago has stood at Mezzane di Sotto since 1883, on the eastern edge of Valpolicella about 30 kilometres from Verona. Camilla Rossi Chauvenet took the estate in hand in 2003, turning a farm that once sold its grapes into a small, quality first producer: 33 hectares of woodland and vines, 16 of them planted, on limestone and clay slopes farmed organically, certified since 2014 and free of synthetic treatments since 2008. The style is deliberately fresh and modern, Valpolicella built on energy and drinkability rather than sheer ripeness, with power kept in reserve for the Amarone.
Prices are for take away and shipping. The wine bar serves from its own list.
The winery
About Massimago
History
Massimago sits in the Mezzane valley, in the eastern part of Valpolicella, and has been in the Cracco family since 1883. The property was a country house before it became a winery. In 2003 Camilla Rossi Chauvenet, who had studied agronomy at the University of Padua, took over her mother's vineyards and relaunched the estate. She had no cellar or equipment at first, and reportedly sold her car to buy a tractor. The first bottles, about a thousand, came out in 2004. Camilla represents the fourth generation of the family on the land.
The name is linked to the Latin Maximum Agium, usually read as great well being.
The land and the vineyards
The vines are in the cool Mezzane valley. The estate has farmed organically since 2008 and has held organic certification since 2014. The property of 33 hectares also includes olive groves and woods.
The wines
The core of the range is Valpolicella. Amarone della Valpolicella appears in several forms, including SVM400 Macie and Conte Gastone. Marchesa Mariabella is a Valpolicella Ripasso, Profasio is a Valpolicella Superiore, and Duca Fedele is a fresh Valpolicella. Duchessa Allegra is a white from Garganega. Many labels carry the BIO mark, and the names follow a small cast of noble characters.
Today
Camilla leads a young team, and the estate also offers rooms and visits in the valley. It is a good name for drinkers who want a modern Valpolicella grown organically.
- Founded
- In the family since 1883; winery relaunched 2003
- Vineyards (hectares)
- Sources range from 10 to 28
- Owners
- Camilla Rossi Chauvenet