In the early 1980s, the first vines were planted on the
clayey soils facing west on the Masseto hill.
Geological studies suggested that it could be a
special site. The friction between the famous winemaker
André Tchelistcheff and the founder of the estate
to plant Merlot instead of the less risky choice of 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 everyone (even to the taste!).
More than 30 years have passed since those first moments.
Since the birth of Masseto, an extremely
rigorous selection of grapes has always been carried out to guarantee
the best possible quality. In 2017, the wines obtained from
some parcels of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, recently
replanted and now delimited by a majestic dry stone wall,
were considered for Masseto. Some
plots, however, had not yet developed enough
character to be included in Masseto,
but showed potential and personality to create,
together with other components not used in the
master-blend, a second vin: Masseto.
The inaugural vintage of Masseto was 2017, which
debuted in 2019, exactly 30 years after the first
vintage of Masseto and in the same year as the inauguration
of the Masseto winery, designed by Italian architects
Zito & Mori. The birth of the second vin and the opening of the
winery were key events in the history of Masseto and in its consecration as an estate.
The strong personality of Masseto is not surprising
as it shares the same DNA as Masseto.
Just like its older brother, it combines power
and opulence with discretion and classicism.
CLIMATE AND VINTAGE
The 2022 vintage was characterized by a rather classic winter, with temperatures close to the seasonal
averages, followed by a cool and dry spring. This context led to a slightly
late budding compared to the dates usually recorded. Already from the end of May, however,
rather high temperatures were recorded, with a long period of heat and drought lasting
about 75 days, affecting the natural cycle of our
vines. Fortunately, following these weather conditions, the rainfall due to the
characteristic summer storms unblocked the situation, re-accompanying with balance the physiology of the
plants that were preparing for the 2022 harvest. September was ideal for the accumulation of sugars, aromas and
tannins, thanks, above all, to the coolness of the night temperatures. The harvest took place in excellent
conditions, allowing us to choose the ideal harvest date for each individual parcel. The first Merlots were harvested on September 6,
until the harvest concluded on October 9 with the harvest of the Cabernet Franc.
VINIFICATION AND AGEING
The grapes were hand-picked in 15 kg crates. After destemming and light pressing, the grapes
were transferred into cement tanks by gravity, without any pumping. Each individual parcel of the vineyard was
vinified separately. Fermentation occurred spontaneously with indigenous yeasts at temperatures
around 25-28°C, with two or three pumpings per day and délestages where necessary. The total time in the tanks varied from
21 to 25 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in barriques, 50% of which were new oak. After the first 12
months of aging, the wine was assembled and left to rest in cement tanks for about 3 months, before
bottling.
TASTING NOTES
Born under the hot days of this tenacious vintage, Massetino 2022 already expresses on the nose the warmth of the sun encountered
during its maturation in the vineyard. Vivid length on the palate that induces the return to the glass to capture
from time to time the deep nuances of Massetino 2022 that closes with freshness, like the pleasant nights of
September. Fullness in the mouth, decisive tannins and fleshy red fruit, lead to remembering this wine even after
tasting.