Masseto
Massetino 2021
Toscana IGT
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.
VINEYARD
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.
WINEMAKING
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.
VINTAGE
2021 opened with a rainy, mild winter that replenished soil water reserves. Budding came in the first two weeks of April, with steady growth and excellent blossoming conditions at the end of May. From June onward, slightly above-average temperatures and minimal rainfall carried the season through veraison in late July. Dry conditions held through August and September, but the spring rains had given the calcareous-clay soils enough reserves to sustain the vines without stress, delivering concentrated grapes of high quality potential.
TASTING NOTE
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.
FOOD PAIRING
Roasted lamb, braised beef, duck breast, aged Pecorino, mushroom and truffle dishes
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Merlot
Appellation
Toscana IGT
Alcohol
15.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$360
Reviews
Wine Advocate - May 31, 2023
Wine Spectator - August 2, 2023
Vinous - August 2, 2023
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Masseto
17 uniquely gifted acres that transmit a wine that is internationally proclaimed one of the world's finest. Coveted by international collectors and fine wine connoisseurs across the globe, Masseto constantly receives the highest accolades from the most prestigious wine critics in the world, and is a fixture in the international fine wine trade indices.
