Masi Agricola : SNODAR AND OUR KNIGHTS OF RECIOTO

Lost in the mists of time, this is the history of the Sovrano e Nobilissimo Ordine dello Antico Recioto (Sovereign and most Noble Order of Ancient Recioto - SNODAR), the cultural association with roots going back to the Middle Ages, founded by Federico II della Scala, lord of Valpolicella.

The most recent annual awards ceremony has seen the prestigious title 'Knight of Recioto' conferred on our Oenologist, Andrea Dal Cin, and our Managing Director, Federico Girotto, as well as the title 'Lady of Recioto' being given to Close to Media journalist, Elisabetta Neuhoff.

Tradition has it that the first investiture was held in April 1320, when the Count of Valpolicella, attended by his worthy followers, chosen for their fame and their merit, took part in an investiture ceremony at the Temple of Santa Maria Valverde near the Castle of Marano, giving his followers the title of Knights of Recioto.

The historic County of Federico della Scala was revived on 1st May 1969 and re-baptised the County of Wine. The first modern Knights of Recioto were invested as Maestri Equestri del Sovrano e Nobilissimo Ordine dello Antico Recioto on 7th April 1969 by the mayors of the communes of Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella, San Pietro In Cariano, Fumane, Marano and Negrar in a suitably fitting ceremony.

Now the ceremony is repeated each year in the attractive setting of the Chiesetta di S. Maria della Valverde, in the Contrada Pezza di Marano district where the first investiture was held. This is living tradition which has seen our staff involved this year, and serves as a tangible sign of Masi's commitment to the promotion and spread of the culture of wine.