# Duca Fedele (NV)

- **Producer:** Massimago
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant, black pepper, violet

## About this wine

Massimago is an innovative, organically run estate located in the Mezzane Valley of Valpolicella, led by winemaker Camilla Rossi Chauvenet. The estate benefits from a unique microclimate with cooling winds from the Lessini Mountains and limestone-rich soils, which help preserve fresh acidity in the grapes. 'Duca Fedele' is their signature entry-level Valpolicella DOC, crafted to express the bright, youthful, and vibrant side of the region's traditional varieties without the heavy influence of oak or dried grapes.

## Interesting facts

- The name Massimago is derived from the Latin 'Maximum Agium', meaning maximum well-being or absolute comfort.
- Winemaker Camilla Rossi Chauvenet transformed her family's historic country estate into a modern, design-forward organic winery.
- Duca Fedele is deliberately crafted without any oak aging to showcase the pure, unadulterated fruit of the Mezzane Valley.

## Food pairing

This light-to-medium-bodied Valpolicella relies on its vibrant acidity and bright red fruit profile. It pairs exceptionally well with dishes featuring moderate fat, earthy mushrooms, or tomato-based sauces, as the wine's acidity cuts through the richness while its low, soft tannins ensure it does not clash with lighter proteins like poultry or pork.

## Wine making process

The grapes are strictly hand-harvested from organically farmed estate vineyards. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, primary red fruit characteristics of the Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes. The wine is aged entirely in stainless steel and concrete vats for a short period before bottling, completely avoiding oak contact to maintain its crisp, lively profile.