“Massetino” Toscana IGT 2023 · 3 bottles in OWC

Tenuta dell' Ornellaia | Tuscany
Ornellaia S.r.l. | Loc. Ornellaia 191 | IT 57022 Castagneto Carducci

09284423 · 2,25 l · 496,44 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

In 2017, exactly thirty years after the first Masseto, Massetino was born: not as a mere second wine, but as an independent interpretation of the same extraordinary terroir. Where its big brother requires patience and can mature for decades, Massetino opens up earlier, more – more accessible, more inviting, without sacrificing depth. A wine that provides an introduction to the Masseto universe without compromising on quality. The cuvée combines Merlot with a small proportion of Cabernet Franc – a deliberate difference to the single-varietal Masseto. The Franc brings floral nuances, herbal spice and an additional aromatic dimension into play, giving the Massetino its own character. Hand-picked in small crates, double selection, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, then twelve months of ageing in French oak, half of which is new. After blending, the wine rests for a further month before being bottled.

2023 is seductive and expressive: deep purple-red in the glass, the nose is a kaleidoscope of dark berries, damp earth, Mediterranean scrub and chocolate. Juicy and concentrated at the same time on the palate: red cherry, raspberry, cappuccino cream, a hint of liquorice. Fine-grained tannins carry the wine, lively acidity pervades, the final lingers with smoky and floral undertones. A wine of steely energy under a velvety surface. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a drop of violet. On the nose, blackcurrants, Assam tea, fragrant, dried violet leaves, fine hints of dark chocolate, precious wood and graphite, complex. On the palate, fine chocolaty notes, savoury and powerful, embedded in elegant, creamy tannins, with a minimally broad finish and slightly bitter notes." Falstaff

"A dark, super intense, rich and complex wine. On the nose, it shows restrained blackberry fruit, vanilla, cloves, eucalyptus and leather. Lots of graphite on the palate, with firm, velvety tannins, chocolate flavours, refreshing acidity and a chalky, oaky finish." James Suckling

"The Merlot was harvested after periods of rain, with Cabernet Franc playing a balancing role, but the result is very positive, with a bright spiciness and multi-layered mineral tones of graphite smoke and gravel. Chalky notes give the wine freshness on the finish, and the overall impression is one of depth, brightness and flavourful precision." Wine Advocate

The idea of Massetino is to create a more accessible wine," explains winemaker Gaia Cinnirella. And in combination with the plump juiciness and aromatic appeal of the 2023, this is incredibly enticing. The flavours of ripe dark berries mingle with damp earth, Mediterranean scrub and chocolaty nuances. Its vertical structure is underpinned by generous, juicy, creamy red and black berries and supported by fine-grained tannins. It's a bold expression this year, with a slightly drying, woody finish that should dissipate with time in bottle, but it's balanced by freshness and a really nice line of acidity running through the body. Delicious!" Decanter