Masseto
Masseto 2022
Toscana IGT
Coveted by collectors and connoisseurs around the globe, Masseto has consistently received prestigious accolades since its founding in the early 1980s. It is the benchmark of a true fine wine, consistently demonstrating elegance, balance, and superb aging potential. The story begins with acclaimed Russian-American oenologist André Tchelistcheff, the estate’s first consultant, who suggested that the terroir of the Masseto hill would be particularly well-suited to Merlot. The name Masseto, in fact, comes from the hill’s unique gray and blue clay, which are hard as rock: “masso” means “rock” or “boulder” in Italian.
VINEYARD
The Masseto hill is divided into three distinct zones, each contributing something essential to the wine. 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 its character and longevity. The lowermost rows, 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. This complex mosaic translates directly into the multi-faceted dimension of the wine.
WINEMAKING
Seven distinct lots are vinified during harvest. Bunches are hand-harvested into 15-kilogram crates and evaluated on a double sorting table before and after destemming, then subjected to soft crushing. Each lot is vinified separately, with fermentation taking place in both steel and wood tanks, with small portions vinified directly in barrel. Fermentation is followed by 15 to 20 days of maceration at 25 to 30°C. Malolactic fermentation then begins in 100% new oak barriques, with all lots kept separate through the first 12 months of aging.
VINTAGE
2022 opened with a standard winter and a cool, dry spring that pushed budding slightly later than usual. From late May, temperatures climbed sharply, reaching peaks of 35°C during a drought lasting around 75 days. Summer storms eventually broke the heat and restored physiological balance to the vines ahead of harvest. September proved ideal, with cool overnight temperatures driving the accumulation of sugars, aromas, and tannins. Harvest took place in excellent conditions, with each parcel picked at its ideal moment of maturity.
TASTING NOTE
Vibrant and mysterious on the nose, with aromas that carry through to a succulent, full palate. Elegant and captivating, with remarkable persistence, a savory finish, and an incredible fullness of expression.
FOOD PAIRING
Roasted lamb, braised short rib, duck breast, aged Pecorino, truffle and mushroom dishes
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Merlot
Appellation
Toscana IGT
Alcohol
15%
Suggested Retail Price
$2600
Reviews
Wine Spectator -
Wine Enthusiast - June 10, 2025
Wine Advocate - February 5, 2026 "The wine immediately impresses with freshness, brightness and clarity. It shows firm but integrated tannins with a subtle salty note attributed to sodium-rich clays. According to proprietor Lamberto Frescobaldi, the magic of Masseto lies in its ability to stretch and consolidate across the palate, wrapping itself seamlessly in a kind of symbiosis that feels both expansive and complete. His point comes alive in this edition. Crafted for collectors, this vintage is intense and full yet never tiring, remaining solar and generous. The élevage is deliberately restrained with reduced wood influence despite the use of four coopers, including tonnelleries Taransaud and Baron, and 80% new oak, allowing the Merlot to remain dulcet and precise."
Wine Spectator - July 10, 2025 "This red is both well structured and framed with new oak nuances of vanilla, toast and resin, setting the stage for plum, blackberry, fruit cake, mineral and tobacco flavors. There is a salty element interwoven throughout, along with a fluid feel. Fine grip on the lingering finish, so give the dense tannins some time to integrate."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Massetino
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.
