Masseto

Nestled in the picturesque Bolgheri region on the sun-kissed Tuscan coast, Masseto’s rich viticultural history began in 1984, marking the onset of a winemaking journey steeped in excellence. Embracing an ethos of precision and tradition, the vineyards of Masseto are strategically positioned within the 6.6-hectare (16.3-acre) expanse of a former clay quarry. Once a coastal marsh centuries ago, the Masseto vineyard’s foundation lies upon ancient clay deposits, veiled by layers of gravel, sand, and rock fragments. This diverse geological tapestry serves as the bedrock for the thriving Merlot vines that grace this hallowed terroir. A serendipitous interplay of the temperate Mediterranean sun and the gentle coastal breeze imparts an ideal microclimate, fostering the balanced growth of the grapes through the moderate summer temperatures.

Notably, the vineyard’s composition boasts a unique interplay of compact clay, pebbles, and sand, contributing to the distinctive character of its Merlot grapes.

Meticulous farming practices underscore Masseto’s winemaking process, with an emphasis on parcel-by-parcel management and a selective, labor-intensive harvest that extends up to a month. Originally housed in a rustic farmhouse, the estate’s winemaking facility underwent a transformative overhaul, revealing an avant-garde subterranean winery in 2019, embodying the fusion of innovation and tradition.

Following meticulous harvesting and fermentation in state-of-the-art temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, the wine matures in medium-toasted French oak barrels for approximately a year. Post-blending, the wine further matures for an additional year, allowing its flavors to meld into an exquisite harmony.

In addition to its flagship label, Masseto’s portfolio includes the celebrated Massetino, introduced in 2017, crafted from select barrels that don’t meet the stringent criteria for the flagship wine. With an annual production of approximately 35,000 bottles, Masseto continues to exemplify the pinnacle of Italian winemaking, an enduring legacy guided by the expertise of the Frescobaldi family, stewarded by the insightful consultancy of the esteemed Michel Rolland. Pioneering the recognition of this exceptional terroir was the visionary Russian-American oenologist André Tchelistcheff, whose insights were instrumental in the inception of Masseto in the early 1980s. Building upon Tchelistcheff’s legacy, the vineyard and winemaking team uphold an unwavering commitment to detail, meticulously tending to every facet of the vineyard and winery. This collective dedication, rooted in a profound respect for the land, continues to be the cornerstone of Masseto’s enduring success, elevating it to a pinnacle of excellence in the world of fine wines.