The colour is very dark ruby, almost black. On the nose ripe blackberries and cola. In the mouth plenty of tannins. The slightly fruity and mainly drying aftertaste is pretty long.
Osar is made with 100% Oseleta grapes, an extremely rare red wine variety grown in the northwestern region of Veneto in Italy. The earliest documentation relating to Oseleta dates back only 150 years or so, but oral tradition in the region holds that the variety has been used there for many centuries.
Due to its very low yield, this grape variety was not well positioned for post-phylloxera replanting and it almost reached extinction. Oseleta was saved from sliding into oblivion by Masi, one of the region’s most famous winery.
I first discovered about this grape variety when I visited Masi in 2011. In that occasion I was introduced to this unique grape variety and told that it ages well. This is the reason I kept this bottle in my cellar for 8 years. At 14 this wine is surprisingly lively, but void of complexity.
I bought this bottle for 50 EUR at a wine shop in Bardolino in 2012. Only 5’600 have been produced. The bottle I bought directly at Masi in 2011 I drunk straight away and I don’t remember giving me much pleasure. This second bottle has definitely been a much more fulfilling experience.
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Grapes: Oseleta
Type: Red
Vintage: 2006
Producer: Masi
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5