1 BOTTLE X 75cl

Tuscany IGT

MASSETINO

Masseto's second wine

In the early 1980s, the first vines were planted on the west-facing clay soils of the Masseto hill. Geological studies suggested it could be a special site. The friction between renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff and the estate's founder over planting Merlot instead of the less risky Cabernet Sauvignon is legendary. From the first harvest, the unique personality of the wines from this vineyard, planted along a vein of blue Pliocene clay, was evident to all. More than 30 years have now passed since those first moments.

91% Merlot

9% Cabernet Franc

Climate and Vintage

2023 was a challenging vintage, in which nature proved powerful and simultaneously served as the cradle of the most significant moments in the life cycle of our vines. The winter was mild, with slightly above-average temperatures and precipitation, which favored early vine growth. Spring, however, brought abundant rainfall, which replenished water reserves that were certainly needed for the summer, but also challenged our vineyard team with precise selection and harvesting.

The summer was characterized by high temperatures around 35°C, though without reaching extreme peaks.

This situation, combined with the spring water reserves, led to a gradual and even ripening of the grapes, achieving excellent concentrations.

The late August rains and cool September nights favored the development of aromatic complexity, preserved the wine's acidity, and enhanced the balance between phenolic and technological maturity. Vinification and Aging: The grapes were hand-harvested in 15-kg crates.

After destemming and light pressing, the grapes were transferred to cement vats by gravity, without any pumping. Each individual vineyard parcel was vinified separately.

Fermentation occurred spontaneously with indigenous yeasts at temperatures around 25-28°C, with two or three pumpings per day, where necessary. Total time in the tanks ranged from 21 to 25 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in barriques, 50% new oak.

After the first 12 months of aging, the wine was blended and aged in concrete tanks for approximately four months before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Massetino 2023 offers excellent pleasure from the nose alone.

Fresh and intoxicating red fruit accompanies the first sip and reveals the essence of this vintage.

Concentration is evident on the palate, where Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend together.

Massetino presents a definition that reflects the seasonality of the vintage: juiciness and length persist throughout the tasting, finishing with a light savory note.