Masseto

History

Masseto, one of Italy's and the world's outstanding wines, was first created almost 40 years ago by Lodovico Antinori, a member of the renowned Florentine wine dynasty. In 1981, Antinori founded the Ornellaia Estate in the Bolgheri region of western Tuscany, which was then a relatively unknown area for wine production. Initially, the estate produced Bordeaux-style wines, but it was the decision to plant a small portion of the vineyard with Merlot that set Masseto apart. This was inspired by the legendary wine consultant André Tchelistcheff, who recognized the unique blue clay soils of the Masseto hill as ideal for Merlot production, akin to those found in Pomerol.

The first vintage of Masseto was released in 1986, and it quickly gained acclaim. The wine's reputation continued to grow through the 1990s and was cemented by its perfect 100-point score for the 2001 vintage. Over the years, Masseto has maintained its focus on 100% single-vineyard Merlot, although a small percentage of Cabernet Franc was introduced into the blend in 2019 and 2020. The winemaking process involves aging the wine for approximately 24 months in 50% new oak, resulting in a profound and singular expression of Merlot that has become a benchmark for Italian wines.

Terroir

The terroir of Masseto is characterized by its unique blue clay soil, which is a key factor in the wine's distinctiveness. This soil, often described as rock-hard in some places, is reminiscent of solid boulders and is a result of the Italian name for rock, "masso." The vineyard, planted entirely to Merlot, is situated on a seabed that is millions of years old and rich in minerals and fossils.

The proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, just 10 kilometers away, plays a crucial role in the terroir. The sea's influence provides a subtle cooling breeze, which moderates the temperature and slows down the ripening process. This tempering effect helps achieve a perfect balance between tannins and acidity. The sea also reflects sunlight in summer, indirectly giving the vines more sun exposure.

The vineyards are divided into three sub-plots: Junior, Centrale, and Alto. Each plot has its own characteristics, contributing to the unique character of the Masseto wine. The Alto vineyard, with its blue clay, sand, and pebbles, is particularly significant for its strong and concentrated flavor profile, which is considered the most important part of the blend[1][2].