Massetino - Toscana IGT 2019

Massetino - Toscana IGT 2019

In the early 1980s the first vines were planted on the west facing clay rich soils of the Masseto hillside. Geological studies had suggested that this might be a special site and the battles between the celebrated oenologist André Tchelistcheff and the founder to plant Merlot instead of the safer choice of Cabernet Sauvignon are legendary.
From the very first harvest the unique personality of the wines from this vineyard planted along a vein of Plyocene blue clay were clear for all to see (and taste). More than 30 years passed since those initial steps.

Since the birth of Masseto, an extremely strict selection of the grapes has always been carried out in order to guarantee the highest possible quality. In 2017 some of the wines of some recently replanted Merlot and Cabernet Franc parcels, delimited now by a majestic dry-stone wall, were considered for Masseto. While some parcels had not yet developed enough character to be included in Masseto itself, others showed sufficient promise and personality to warrant consideration, along with other components not utilized in the master-blend, for the creation of a second vin – Massetino.

The inaugural vintage of Massetino was 2017, released in 2019, precisely 30 years after the first vintage of Masseto. The Masseto winery, designed by the Italian Architects Zito & Mori, was finished and inaugurated during that same year. The birth of the second wine and the opening of the Masseto winery was a seminal moment in Masseto’s history and the consecration of Masseto as an Estate.

Massetino’s personality is already self-assured as it shares the same pedigree as Masseto. Just like its elder sibling it juxtaposes power and opulence with discretion and classicism.

TASTING NOTES :
Massetino 2019 displays the typical characteristics of this vintage. The colour is dark and youthful, the nose displays perfectly ripe black fruit underlined by spicy new oak and liquorice. On the palate the wine is rich and dense, with a velvety and refined texture balanced by a frame of fresh acidity and firm tannins.