Masseto 2020

The Silky Elegance of an Iconic Tuscan Wine

The Estate

It was in the early 1980s that the first vines were planted on soils lying over a vein of Pliocene blue clay on the Masseto hill, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, near the famous little village of Bolgheri in Tuscany. In this rugged landscape, Merlot found a way to thrive beautifully on land traditionally considered better suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. For nearly 40 years now, the wines of the Masseto estate have become true legends of Tuscan winemaking and Italian wine around the world.

The Vineyard

The Masseto estate's vineyard is located in Tuscany, in Bolgheri. This wine region enjoys a Mediterranean climate strongly influenced by the presence of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Wine

The very name Masseto pays tribute to its roots and terroir, and to the duality between power and softness that it so harmoniously balances—a character shaped in particular by the clumps of blue clay known as "masse," which form throughout the vineyard and gave the wine its name. First produced in 1986, this cuvée quickly became one of the most sought-after wines in the world after being named "Wine of the Year" by Decanter magazine in 1997. Considered by some to be the Italian Pétrus, every new vintage of this Tuscan wine released to market is an event in itself.

The Vintage

After a mild winter, temperatures in March dropped below 0°C, coinciding with the start of bud break. However, the new shoots were not affected by the frost. Spring was mostly warm with regular rainfall, followed by a very long dry spell lasting until the end of August. Véraison took place between July 20 and 25, under particularly intense heat. Welcome rains arrived at the end of August, allowing the Merlot to reach optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and Aging

Hand-harvested, the grapes undergo a double sorting process before and after destemming, followed by gentle pressing. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts and lasts between 21 and 28 days. Malolactic fermentation occurs in new oak barrels, and the different lots are kept separate during the first 12 months of aging. The wines are then blended and returned to barrels for an additional year, for a total aging period of 24 months. The wine then rests for a further 12 months in bottle before release.

Blend

Merlot 
Cabernet Franc

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Masseto 2020

Tasting Notes

Beautifully concentrated, both in color and aroma, it reveals a vivid, lingering nose. Full-bodied and powerful, the palate captivates with velvety tannins, remarkable finesse, and a long finish marked by balsamic notes.