Masseto
Masseto 2023
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
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 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
James Suckling - June 9, 2026 "Intense, dark and meaty style with vibrant elegance of balsamic whiffs, clove and slight florals, with a mix of plums and cassis and graphite minerality in depth. The attack is impressive for its suppleness and silky texture, with elegant tannins, graceful brilliant acidity and toasty flavors of cocoa-milk, sweet tobacco and fruits. Endless aftertaste."
Wine Spectator - July 22, 2026 "ipe plum, black cherry, coffee, cedar and vanilla swirl around in this polished, sophisticated red, accented by a hint of Bourbon. Expands on the palate, displaying terrific harmony and grace, with a long, complex and spice-tinged aftertaste. So smooth that you may want to pull the cork now, but this should be better in five years. Merlot."
Vinous - April 2, 2026 "The 2023 Masseto, 100% Merlot, is a young wine that still needs time to come together. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, new leather, licorice and a kiss of French oak race across the palate. I find the tannins a bit large-grained relative to most years. This is a transitional vintage for Masseto. The oak imprint very clearly speaks to a vintage with a bit less structure than the very top years. I am very interested to see how the 2023 develops in bottle."
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.
