“Masseto” Toscana IGT 2022 · 3 bottles in OWC

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

09284522 · 2,25 l · 1.269,78 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

In the early 1980s, André Tchelistcheff, the legendary Russian-American Oenologist, stood on a hill near Bolgheri and saw what others overlooked: blue clay. Argille blu – pressed to the surface millions of years ago by tectonic faults, so compact that the Tuscans call it masso, rock. Tchelistcheff recognised the potential for something unheard of in this soil: a Merlot that could rival Pétrus. In the middle of Italy, in the land of Sangiovese. People thought he was crazy. History proved him right. Today, Masseto has long been more than just a wine – it is a monument. Twelve perfect 100-point ratings since its debut in 1986, a name that is mentioned in the same breath as the greatest wines in the world. And a vineyard that is reluctant to reveal its secrets: seven hectares, divided into three parcels with completely different characters. Masseto Alto delivers structure and ripe fruit, Masseto Centrale – with the highest clay content, the "Grand Cru" of the vineyard – gives opulence and monumental tannins, while Masseto Junior with its younger vines contributes freshness and vibrancy. The mosaic only comes together to form the whole.

2022 tells the story of a year of extremes. The sun blazed down on the coast for 75 days, not a drop of rain, temperatures above 35°C – the vines stopped growing, retreated into themselves, an act of survival. Then, in August, redemption: thunderstorms brought water and balance, cool September nights allowed sugar, flavours and tannins to ripen in perfect harmony. The result is a Masseto that combines the best of two worlds: concentration and freshness, power and finesse. Hand-picked in small crates, double selection, gravity transfer to concrete tanks. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, gentle extraction over 25 days – shorter than usual, as the small berries required a delicate touch. Malolactic fermentation in new French oak, then 24 months maturation in barriques, followed by one year of bottle ageing.

Deep, vibrant ruby red in the glass. The nose opens with crushed dark rock, dissolved minerals, black plum, red apple, lavender and sage – an aromatic profile of rare depth and precision. Full-bodied and structured on the palate, with ripe tannins and a density that never overwhelms. Cocoa bean, liquorice, black truffle, then that unmistakable salty note – salted caramel, which lends contour and texture to the luscious fruit melt. Balsamic herbs and floral nuances lift the palate before a final of bright cherry and mineral length concludes the wine. Jane Anson sums it up: "Masseto is one of those terroirs whose personality is so strong that the winemaker's influence is ultimately limited. The soil speaks – and what it says is timeless. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, powerful ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with notes of cigar box, then plenty of cassis and blackberry, cardamom on the final. Round and supple on the palate, like pure velvet, opens with lots of finely woven tannins, great depth, lots of fruit on the final, reminiscent of tobacco." Falstaff

"The Masseto 2022 is elegant and polished, just like when I first tasted it a few months ago. Bright red fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol and cinnamon meld together in the glass. The lighter style of the vintage is evident, but there are no hard edges or unpleasant contours. The 2022 is a super-fine Masseto." Vinous

"A solid and structured red wine with flavours of blackcurrant, chocolate and walnut and toasted wood. Medium to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a chewy, spicy finish. Hints of coconut and toasted oak. It is muscular and powerful. It needs time to mellow. Best after 2028." James Suckling

"The summer of 2022 was so dry that the vines stood still and ripening was interrupted until the rain arrived in mid-August. This helped to preserve the acidity in the grapes, resulting in a sensational freshness that balances the rich and finely structured palate. The Masseto 2022 therefore combines the best of both worlds: Ripeness and concentration of fruit as well as freshness and balance. Aromas of cool, damp earth, dark hedgerow berries, Mediterranean scrub, cocoa and wood give a foretaste of what is to come once time has untangled everything. The tangy, crisp acidity steals the show early on, segueing into juicy but dense dark berries and spices that are imbued with plenty of energy. Then balsamic herbs and floral notes brighten the palate before a hint of salinity and some bitter herbs emerge on the finish, with a chorus of bright cherry. Something special." Decanter