Description
The name Masseto comes from the hard blocks of blue clay cropping out of the Bolgheri vineyard, the legacy of millennia of geological history. Founded in 1987, Masseto covers approximately 7 hectares in the prestigious Bolgheri region of Tuscany. Owned by the Marchesi de Frescobaldi family since 2005, this estate produces an exceptional 100% Merlot on unique clay soils. Masseto competes with the greatest Bordeaux Crus and is one of the most sought-after Italian wines in the world. 2022 was marked by a classic winter, followed by a cool and dry spring. The Tuscan summer was scorching and dry for more than 70 days with highs of 35°C, putting a strain on the vines. However, rain brought balance back, while September’s chilly nights helped with the optimal development of sugars, aromas and tannins. The Masseto 2022 grapes are harvested manually in 15 kg crates. Malolactic fermentation takes place in 100% new barrels. Subsequently, plot-specific ageing takes place for the first 12 months in barrels, followed by blending for another 12 months, totaling 24 months in oak and then 12 months of bottle ageing.
Tasting Note :
The nose is pronounced, leading with its mineral aromas of crushed dark stones. It smells like dissolved minerals, delicate peppery accents, black plum, red apples, lavender perfume, and sage. The aromatics are quite profound in this vintage, and on the palate, it’s full-bodied and more structured, with ripe tannins and a good deal of depth and richness, with the minerality shining through. Long on the palate, it’s generous all the way through, and while it feels approachable upfront, more structure comes through on the finish.
