Masseto Massetino 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 was 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 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.
The 2019 growing season was characterised by a highly variable climate, which alternated periods of cold and rain with long bouts of drought and heat. After a rather normal winter, budding took place during the first week of April. Cold and rainy conditions throughout April and May considerably slowed down the development of the vegetation, delaying flowering up to 10 days later than usual. In June, the climate suddenly turned hot and dry, with peak temperatures of 37°C reached at the end of the month. All summer long the weather remained hot and sunny, with temperatures 2°C higher than average and 45 consecutive days without rain. In the last week of July, the long period of drought was interrupted by two days of rain, bringing back the temperature to the seasonal norm, with ideal conditions for grape ripening. After another set of rain showers at the beginning of the month, Merlot harvest began on 5th September with the young vines and went on until 20th September under perfect conditions. Harvest was completed with the Cabernet franc on 1st October.
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.
*Price is per bottle. 3 Pack case in wood with straps as pictured is £1050.00 (3 bottles)
