Masseto
2022
| Denomination | IGT Toscana |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 15.0% by volume |
| Area | Tuscany (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Aging | 24 months in a temperature-controlled environment at the Tenuta dell’Ornellaia cellar. After the first 12 months of maturation, the blend was created, and the wine was then returned to the barriques for a further 12 months. Following bottling, the wine was then aged in bottle for 12 months before being released to the market. |
- Blend and origin: Merlot and Cabernet Franc from a single vineyard located in Castagneto Carducci
- Aromatic profile: red fruit jam, dried violets and hints of vanilla tobacco
- Vinification: fermentation in steel and barrels, malolactic fermentation in 100% new oak barriques
- Taste and finish: smooth structure, finely crafted tannins and long mineral persistence
- Ageing: 24 months in oak and 12 in bottle. Awarded 98 points by Decanter
Description
What kind of wine it is
Masseto is a still red wine from Tuscany, made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. On the nose, it reveals an intense profile, characterised by small red fruits in jam, wilted violets, and hints of vanilla tobacco and undergrowth. On the palate, it is structured, supported by finely crafted tannins and a well-defined freshness. The finish is distinguished by its long persistence, where the fruity notes blend with distinct mineral nuances. This wine pairs excellently with robust dishes based on beef, lamb, game, and mature cheeses.
Where it comes from
This wine originates in Castagneto Carducci, from a single seven-hectare vineyard deeply connected to the Tuscan territory. The peculiarity of the soil lies in the presence of blue clay, whose compact and outcropping formations, locally called “massi”, give Masseto its name. This geological matrix determines the vigour of the vines and the wine’s distinctive mineral texture. The territorial identity is expressed in a rich substance and a persistent continuity of flavour, preserved by rigorous selections that enhance the nuances of each individual plot.
How it is produced
The manual harvest involves a double selection of the bunches and gentle pressing. The grapes are processed separately, with primary fermentation carried out in steel tanks and in truncated-cone oak vats, followed by maceration. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new oak barrels. The maturation process lasts twenty-four months: after the first year, the different batches are blended to rest for a further year in wood. A prolonged bottle ageing of twelve months completes the production cycle, ensuring optimal development.
History and Curiosities
The Masseto 2022 originates from seven hectares of exceptional vineyards located in Castagneto Carducci. The name refers to the “boulders” of blue clay that emerge from the soil, giving the wine strength and character. Produced in limited quantities through a highly rigorous selection process, it is a rare oenological masterpiece, sought after by collectors at major auctions worldwide. This sumptuous vintage already boasts excellent scores, including 98 points from Decanter and 97 from James Suckling.
Awards
-
2022
5Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
-
2022
98/100
Decanter is a wine and lifestyle magazine, published monthly in around 90 countries. The magazine includes industry news, classic guides and advice on wine and spirits.
-
2022
97/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2022
95/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
-
2022
96/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
Over 25 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1981
- Oenologist: Axel Heinz
- Bottles produced: 880.000
- Hectares: 112
Masseto is controlled by the Frescobaldi Family and their long-term vision and encouragement have been paramount in building on its success. It is just one of the estates owned by the family alongside Attems (Friuli), Ornellaia, Danzante, Luce della Vite and six Frescobaldi Estates, Nipozzano, CastelGiocondo, Pomino, Ammiraglia, Castiglioni and Remole. Read more
| Name | Masseto 2022 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Toscana IGT |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 15.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Vendor | Masseto |
| Story | History and Curiosities The Masseto 2022 originates from seven hectares of exceptional vineyards located in Castagneto Carducci. The name refers to the "boulders" of blue clay that emerge from the soil, giving the wine strength and character. Produced in limited quantities through a highly rigorous selection process, it is a rare oenological masterpiece, sought after by collectors at major auctions worldwide. This sumptuous vintage already boasts excellent scores, including 98 points from Decanter and 97 from James Suckling. |
| Origin | Castagneto Carducci (LI) |
| Soil composition | Blue clay |
| Harvest | Between 3 and 15 September |
| Fermentation temperature | 25-28 °C |
| Fermentation | 20-25 days |
| Production technique | Manual harvest in 15 kg crates; double selection on a sorting table; vinification partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in truncated cone oak barrels; malolactic fermentation in 100% new oak barriques |
| Wine making | After a gentle pressing, vinification continued partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in truncated conical oak vats. Each part of the Masseto was vinified separately. After fermentation at temperatures around 25-28°C, maceration followed for about 10 5 days at 28°C, for a total time in tank of 20-25 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in oak barriques (100% new). |
| Aging | 24 months in a temperature-controlled environment at the Tenuta dell’Ornellaia cellar. After the first 12 months of maturation, the blend was created, and the wine was then returned to the barriques for a further 12 months. Following bottling, the wine was then aged in bottle for 12 months before being released to the market. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |