2019 Massetino Toscana IGT

In the early 1980s the first vines were planted on the west facing clay rich soils of the Masseto hillside. Geological studies had suggested that this might be a special site and the battles between the celebrated oenologist André Tchelistcheff and the founder to plant Merlot instead of the safer choice of Cabernet Sauvignon are legendary. From the very first harvest the unique personality of the wines from this vineyard planted along a vein of Plyocene blue clay were clear for all to see (and taste). More than 30 years passed since those initial steps.

Since the birth of Masseto, an extremely strict selection of the grapes has always been carried out in order to guarantee the highest possible quality. In 2017 some of the wines of some recently replanted Merlot and Cabernet Franc parcels, delimited now by a majestic dry-stone wall, were considered for Masseto. While some parcels had not yet developed enough character to be included in Masseto itself, others showed sufficient promise and personality to warrant consideration, along with other components not utilized in the master-blend, for the creation of a second vin – Massetino.