Soaring High – Fratelli’s revamped Master Selection

The idea behind the new label of the Master Selection range by Fratelli is as fresh and exciting as the wine in the bottle, says Devati Mallick

Nestled in the picturesque Solapur region of Maharashtra, Fratelli Vineyards spans over 240 acres of lush green vineyards on rolling hills. This beautiful landscape is home to one of India’s most celebrated wine producers, Fratelli, a name synonymous with pioneering excellence and innovations.

The Master Selection range, which debuted with the 2015 vintage, holds a special place in Fratelli’s offerings. Conceived out of a dream collaboration between two legendary figures in the wine world — Piero Masi and Steven Spurrier, the partnership resulted in a magical blend of expertise and passion, creating fresh, elegant wines. The original Master Selection consisted of three reserve wines — white, rosé, and red — each crafted to pay homage to the masters of their craft, Masi and Spurrier or MS for short. Fast forward to the 2023 vintage, Fratelli has relaunched the Master Selection with a vibrant new look and an inspiring backstory that reflects its evolution. Alongside this, the range has expanded to include a new wine — a late harvest wine, adding another layer of excitement to the MS roster.

The new look of the Master Selection range draws inspiration from a striking, vivid yellow plumed bird, often sighted at the Fratelli viewpoint. A visit to Fratelli Vineyards is incomplete without spending an evening at the breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the hills, where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the rolling vineyards of Garwad while savouring a glass or two of wine. This is where the grapes for the Master Selection range are grown. As you gaze across this landscape, you’ll spot the Hariyal bird, also known as the yellow-footed green pigeon, perched atop the trees that surround the vineyards.

What’s so special about this bird? Beyond being the state bird of Maharashtra, the Hariyal possesses a unique characteristic: it never sets foot on the ground. Instead, it remains perched on tall tree tops or soaring high up in the sky, symbolizing a perspective that is always elevated, always forward-looking. The Hariyal captures the essence of Fratelli’s Master Selection aptly — a range of wines that embodies elegance, adventure, and the courage to fly high above the ordinary.

The MS range has always stood for creating approachable blends with a refined and elegant taste, and the new wines take that approach a notch higher. At the helm of this journey, is Giovanni Masi, enologist at Fratelli and son of Piero Masi, who is committed to carrying his father’s legacy forward with passion and innovation. Giovanni shares insights into the crucial role played by the unique terroir of Solapur.

Situated 600 metres above sea level, Solarpur’s terroir is optimal for producing dry wines, he notes. The soil composition, rich in clay, lime and gravel, imparts a distinct minerality that sets these wines apart. Giovanni draws a fascinating parallel between the young slopes of Italy and the ancient soils of the Deccan Plateau, where Fratelli’s vineyards thrive — a connection that resonated deeply with Piero Masi’s Tuscan roots.

The MS White is in the original blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, a tropical fruit-driven dry wine backed by a crisp, refreshing acidity and mineral notes that draw out the finish and the overall texture. Fermented and aged briefly in stainless steel tanks, the wine retains its bright fruit expression, with notes of passionfruit, lemon zest, and green pears intertwined with that subtle minerality. An easy sip that is reminiscent of sun-soaked afternoons and balmy evenings.

The MS Rosé showcases their flagship varietal, Sangiovese. Fratelli was among the first in India to plant this native Italian grape, and it has adapted beautifully to the Indian terroir. The rosé is a delightful example of Sangiovese’s playfulness as seen in this wine, making it the perfect choice for Indian summers. It delivers nothing short of summer-in-a-glass, with notes of fresh rose petals, refreshing summer berries, and a pleasantly crunchy citrus aftertaste, much like the exhilarating sensation of diving into a cold pool on a hot day!

The blend for the MS Red is different in this vintage. Previously a Sangiovese-dominant red blend, it is now led by Shiraz, consisting of 50% Shiraz, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has a no-fuss approach while maintaining the characteristic elegance and refined flavours of the Master Selection range, fermented in open French and American oak barrels for 10/15 days followed by a brief aging in stainless steel tanks. Both wine newbies and connoisseurs will find something to appreciate in this blend, with plush and juicy, ripe, dark fruit notes, sweet spices and a touch of black pepper on the finish. A contemporary red for all occasions!

The MS Late Harvest Chenin Blanc is a sensuously luxurious addition, an indulgent experience for wine lovers to revel in. This dessert wine captures the versatility of the vineyard’s terroir with its rich and opulent flavours. The late harvest process allows the grapes to develop concentrated sweetness and complexity, resulting in a wine that is both luxurious and balanced. Think of tasting honeyed apricots, ripe peaches, and a hint of tropical fruit, with a silky texture. The natural acidity of the Chenin Blanc provides a refreshing contrast, preventing the wine from being overly cloying.

Fratelli’s revamped Master Selection range is a testament to the winery’s commitment to innovation and excellence, combining tradition and modernity. The legacy of Piero Masi and Steven Spurrier lives on through this range, for wine drinkers to discover – embodying their vision of creating elegant and approachable wines that appeal to the evolved palate as much as to a novice wine drinker.

Priced between Rs1,200 and Rs1,400, MS has already hit the shelves in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi, with plans to expand to other states soon. The MS Late Harvest Chenin Blanc is exclusively available in Mumbai for now.