Massetino - Toscana IGT 2023
Masseto, the expression of a unique terroir on the Tuscan coast
Masseto is the name for a unique wine, vineyard, and estate. The potential of the slope where the vineyard stands on the Tuscan coast was sensed in the early 1980s when the first vines were planted, contrary to all odds, advice and local tradition.
The intuition paid off. The blue clay soil, the cool coastal breezes, and the excellent refraction of light guaranteed by the Mediterranean Sea contribute to the intriguing mix of power, elegance and complexity that distinguishes the estate’s wine.
Masseto, since the 2017 harvest, is accompanied by its second wine, Massetino. Both are grown on 11 hectares on the hill of Masseto and are transformed from precious grapes into desirable bottles of wine in the cellar designed by the Zito Mori studio and inaugurated in April 2019. 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.
The 2023 Vintage
2023 was a challenging year: mother nature revealed all her power, at the same time preserving the most important moments in the biological cycle of our vines. Winter was mild, with temperatures and rainfall slightly above average that favored early plant growth. Spring instead brought abundant rain, which fed the water reserves that were certainly useful for the summer, but at the same time saw our team busy in the vineyard in precise selection work. Summer was characterized by high temperatures, around 35 °C, although without reaching extreme peaks. This situation, together with the spring water reserves, brought about a gradual and regular ripening of the grapes, reaching excellent concentration. Rains at the end of August and cool nights in September favoured the development of aromatic complexity, preserved the acidity of the wine and enhanced the balance between phenolic and technological maturity.
Tasting notes:
Massetino 2023’s bouquet is already very pleasant. The fresh and intoxicating red fruit accompanying the first sip clearly conveys the potential of this vintage. Merlot and Cabernet Franc merge on the palate, exalting the wine’s concentration. This Massetino reflects the characteristics of the vintage: juiciness and length persist throughout the tasting, ending with a slight tangy note.