Masseto
Masseto 2021
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
2021 began with a rainy, mild winter that replenished soil water reserves. Budding came in the first two weeks of April following a dry March, with steady shoot 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 the last week of 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.
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
15.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$2300
Reviews
Vinous - December 5, 2024 "The 2021 Masseto is a stunner.It also shows how much the estate has evolved in recent years. I was reminded of that recently when I drank the 2001, considered by many observers, including this one, to be one of the greatest wines ever made here. The 2021 represents a move towards a more refined style. There’s less of the bombastic intensity and extraction that were once the norm here. I remember young vintages that were impossible to taste young. The 2021, on the other hand, is an absolute delight. Crushed flowers, spice, blood orange and bright, red-toned fruit all grace the palate. Floral aromatics and saline underpinnings are at times reminiscent of the Cabernet Franc found in the 2019 and 2020, but the 2021 is back to the classic 100% Merlot. Readers will find a Masseto built on linear energy more than volume. The 2021 is quite simply the most exquisite, refined young Masseto I have ever tasted."
Wine Spectator - June 24, 2024 "Plum and blackberry flavors are wrapped in an embrace of toasty oak, with vanilla, resin and iron accents. Dense tannins coat the gums, while bright acidity keeps this focused and drives the spice-infused aftertaste. Fluid and long, ultimately, this silky red is all about finesse. A superb success in a great vintage."
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.
