Masseto
Massetino 2023
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
2023 was a demanding year, though nature preserved the most important moments in the vine's biological cycle. A mild winter encouraged early growth, and abundant spring rains fed soil reserves while requiring precise work in the vineyard. Summer temperatures hovered around 35°C without reaching extreme peaks, and those spring reserves allowed for gradual, regular ripening with excellent concentration. Rains at the end of August and cool September nights developed aromatic complexity, preserved acidity, and brought phenolic and technological maturity into balance.
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 %
91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
Appellation
Toscana IGT
Alcohol
15%
Suggested Retail Price
$380
Reviews
Wine Advocate - February 5, 2026 "The Masseto 2023 Massetino is a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc and confirms the growing confidence and individuality of this blend. The 2023 harvest was not easy because of mildew pressure. The Merlot was picked after periods of rain, with Cabernet Franc playing a compensating role, yet the result is very positive, offering bright spiciness and layered mineral tones of graphite smoke and crushed stone. Grown on a mix of blue clay and reddish marine-derived soils rich in fossils and sodium, the vineyards benefit from cool, water-retentive clays that help the vines cope with heat stress. Chalky notes add freshness on the finish, and the overall impression is one of depth, brightness and savory precision. Though often described as a "second wine" after Masseto, Massetino has achieved notable success by proving it has a distinct identity."
James Suckling - July 15, 2025 "A dark, super-intense, rich and complex wine. On the nose it shows restrained bramble fruit, vanilla, cloves, eucalyptus and leather. Lots of graphite on the palate, with firm, velvety tannins, chocolate flavors, refreshing acidity and a chalky, oaky finish."
Wine Spectator - October 31, 2025 "Lush and well-marked by toasty oak, this red displays plum, blackberry, leather, vanilla and salt flavors. A dense matrix of tannins lends support as this extends on the lightly chewy finish."
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.
