Massetino 2024

Massetino is a wine crafted from the younger vines of Masseto, one of the finest Merlot plots on the planet. This wine is known for its crispness, vibrant color, and persistent bouquet. It's mostly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc, providing lift and complexity as the youthful tannins evolve on the palate. First released in the 2017 vintage, Massetino has quickly become one of Tuscany’s finest collectibles. Its primary fruit expression and evolving structure make it a standout addition to any cellar.

Massetino is born from the younger vines of the Masseto estate, drawing from all three distinct zones of the celebrated hill. At the summit, Masseto Alto sits at around 120 meters above sea level, where loose clays, sand, and pebbles produce wines of marked elegance. The central section, Masseto Centrale, is the soul and backbone of the estate: Pliocene clays on slopes of a 10% gradient deliver power, concentration, and the tannic structure that gives Masseto wines their character and longevity. The lowest rows, known as Masseto Junior, grow on less clayey soils, contributing breadth, softness, and generosity to the blend. Within each zone, smaller parcels ripen at different times and are harvested separately, a complexity that translates directly into the multi-faceted dimension of the wine.

Hand-harvested into 15-kilogram crates, destemmed and gently crushed, and transferred to concrete tanks by gravity without pumping. Each parcel is vinified separately. Fermentation proceeds spontaneously with indigenous yeasts at 25 to 28°C, with two to three pump-overs daily and délestages where necessary, for a total tank time of 21 to 25 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barriques with 50% new oak.

2024 brought varied conditions from the start, with mild temperatures and well-distributed rainfall building excellent water reserves. Rain through vegetative growth encouraged lush canopy development, requiring careful management. Heat arrived at the end of June, finding vines perfectly ready for veraison in July and driving strong concentration in the fruit. A slight temperature drop in mid-August allowed the grapes to complete ripening with an ideal balance of concentration, acidity, and aromatic complexity. Harvest ran from late August through mid-September.

Vibrant and characterful on the nose, with persistent, full aromas and a brilliant color. Lively and powerful on the palate, with young, evolving tannins that keep the wine alive with energy and tenacity.

Roasted lamb, braised beef, duck breast, aged Pecorino, mushroom and truffle dishes