Winemaker Notes
In the glass, Massetino 2024 displays a bright, vibrant ruby color, with violet highlights that reveal its youth and energy. The nose opens up immediately, revealing notes reminiscent of blackcurrants and red berries, with subtle hints of Mediterranean scrub. A subtle balsamic note accompanies the aromatic profile just before tasting. The entry on the palate is smooth and harmonious, led by a lively freshness that lends vigor and dynamism to the mouthfeel. The tannins are readily apparent but not overpowering, and blend seamlessly with the wine to create a balance based on an agile, decisive drinking experience. A Massetino 2024 that reflects a dynamic vintage.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Massetino is more than a typical second wine; for a start, volumes are even lower than the grand vin, Masseto, while Massetino has also always incorporated a portion of the estate's excellent Cabernet Franc. This 2024 is super-fresh in personality, with crunchy, creamy black cherry and blackberry at the core allied to a grippy woody frame and fine, silky tannins. A breezy, saline intermission introduces a long, vibrating finish showcasing a delicious lick of orange zest. Beautiful.
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Vinous
The 2024 Massetino is one of the most refined Massetinos I have tasted since this wine was introduced in the 2017 vintage. Aromatic and light on its feet, the 2024 is impossible to resist, even though it is, of course, very young. A rush of dark-toned fruit, licorice, chocolate, lavender and dried herbs builds nicely in the glass. Soft, polished tannins wrap it all up in style. The year was marked by considerable rain in winter and spring. Elevated temperatures from the end of June to mid-August set up an early harvest. Importantly, rain in September rehydrated the grapes and shifted the balance in the wines away from opulence and towards freshness. A light hand in extractions is very much felt here. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
Where the Masseto vineyard now stands, there was once a coastal marsh centuries ago, over which clay deposits formed. The clay was covered by thick deposits of gravel, sand and rock fragments. This geologically diverse terroir is one reason Merlot thrives in the Masseto vineyard. Another contributor is the combination of Mediterranean sun and a gentle wind that keeps the temperatures moderate during the summer. Among the first people to realize the potential of the great terroir of the Masseto hill was the great Russian-American oenologist, André Tchelistcheff, who contributed to the conception of Masseto in the early 1980s. His vision is shared by the vineyard and winemaking staff who pay the utmost attention to every detail in the vineyard and winery.
From the beginning of the harvest to the release of Masseto, three intense years pass, marked by respect of nature and time, constant attention to detail and careful winemaking decisions that best express and respect Masseto's character. The objective for winemaker Axel Heinz is to express both the unmistakable personality of Masseto and the specific character of the vintage.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.