Masseto, 2014, 750ML

Feature

Tasting Note

James Suckling 97,  August  2017

Beautiful aromas of violets and blackberry with hints of spice. Some sweet tobacco. Full body, yet refined and polished with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. The texture and intensity are exceptional. Fantastic for the vintage

Winemaking 

• The bunches, harvested by hand in 15kg crates, were selected by hand on a double sorting table before and after de-stemming, and then gently crushed. 
• The fermentation took place in tanks of both steel and wood, followed by a maceration of 15-20 days at a temperature between 25 and 30°C. 
• Malolactic fermentation started in 100% new oak barriques, and the different lots were kept separate for the first 12 months of maturation.
• The wine was then assembled and reintroduced into the barriques for another year. After bottling, the wine was aged for an additional 12 months prior to release.

Winery

Initially, part of the Ornellaia estate, the Masseto vineyard was planted in 1984 based on advice from renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff. While seeking spots for Cabernet, Tchelistcheff recognized the blue clay of Masseto as perfect for Merlot, a rarity in Bolgheri. Despite initial hesitation from Lodovico Antinori, the property's owner, Tchelistcheff's counsel prevailed.

From its debut vintage in 1987, Masseto quickly gained acclaim for its unique Merlot expression, distinct from Ornellaia's Cabernet-based wines. Today, this Super Tuscan stands as a globally renowned Merlot, lauded for its ageing potential, elegance, and freshness, often likened to "the Pétrus of Italy.".