The latest vintage of the celebrated Tuscan red bares the soul of a unique terroir: blue clays, Mediterranean sun, and human expertise come together in a wine that combines power and grace.
The name Masseto comes from the hard blocks of blue clay cropping out of the Bolgheri vineyard, the legacy of millennia of geological history. Their presence makes this patch of land unique, shaped by the sea and tectonic movement, where vines seem to constantly struggle with the elements. Here, nature is the artificer, but man – with patience and finesse – can bring out the essence of this extraordinary terroir.
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 harvest took place from September 6 to October 9, with ideal conditions to pick each plot at the perfect time.
Vinification was by parcel, with spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks and a 21-28-day maceration. Aging followed a well-established ritual: 12 months in new French oak barrels, then blending before an additional 12 months of maturing in barrels, concluding with a year in the bottle.
The 2022 vintage stands out with its nose, prominently featuring vibrant and immediate aromas of red berries. It is rich and enveloping on the palate, with a bright and vivid color that recalls its identity. Its natural intensity is balanced by a finesse that will continue to grow with bottle aging –a combination of strength and elegance that embodies Masseto's unmistakable style.
Masseto is not just a wine, but the symbol of a terroir and a vision. Born out of the intuition of those who were able to look beyond convention, it continues to write new chapters in Italian oenology.
