Masseto Massetino 2022  £296.00

Masseto Massetino 2022

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 2022 vintage was characterised by a rather standard winter, with temperatures close to the seasonal average, followed by a cool and dry spring. This led to budding dates that were slightly later than usual. Starting at the end of May, however, temperatures were already quite high, with a long period of hot weather and drought lasting around 75 days, affecting the natural cycle of our vines. Fortunately, these weather conditions were followed by rainfall, in the form of characteristic summer storms, which relieved the situation, restoring the physiological balance of the vines as they prepared for the 2022 harvest. September was ideal for the accumulation of sugars, aromas and tannins, thanks mainly to cool overnight temperatures. The harvest took place in excellent conditions, allowing us to choose the ideal harvest date for each individual parcel of land. The first Merlot grapes were harvested on 6 September and the harvest ended on 9 October with the Cabernet Franc grapes.

The grapes were harvested by hand into 15 kg crates. After destemming and gentle crushing, the grapes were transferred to concrete tanks by gravity, without any pumping. Each individual parcel of the vineyard was vinified separately. Fermentation took place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts at temperatures of around 25-28°C, with pumping over two or three times a day and délestages where necessary. The total time spent in the tanks ranged from 21 to 25 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in barriques, with 50% new oak. After the first 12 months of ageing, the wine was blended and left to rest in concrete tanks for about three months before bottling.

Born during the warm days of this intense vintage, the nose of Massetino 2022 already expresses all the warmth of the sun that it encountered as it ripened in the vineyard. Vibrancy and length on the palate encourages you to return to the glass to grasp the profound nuances of Massetino 2022, which closes with a freshness reminiscent of pleasant September nights. As for its firm tannins and pulpy red fruit flavours, they carry a beautiful fullness on the palate that never seems to subside.

This is refined and fresh with hints of sandalwood to the beautiful blue fruits. It’s medium-bodied with creamy and polished tannins that frame the blue fruit and hints of crushed stone. Succulent and juicy with a crunchy personality. You want a sip right away. Second wine of the highest quality from Masseto. So drinkable and wonderful. Drink or hold.

Score: 97

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 23 July 2024

*Product excluded from further discounts.