Masseto 2018 - Toscana I.G.T. - Masseto

Masseto is a unique and magical place in Tuscany, surrounded by forests and caressed by sea breezes on hot summer days. A land which is blessed with the presence of blue clay, giving Masseto its unmistakable character. The Merlot vines grow and thrive in vineyards on the Masseto Hill where the terroir victoriously transcends the grape varieties and where the blue clays of the Pliocene Era millions of years ago - a deep marine substrate - was deposited and which gradually transformed into blue clay that came to the surface on this hill after thousands of years of erosion.  With a heart as hard as stone and yet with an intriguing fragility, the clay knows just how to adjust to its environment & climate. This contrast is reflected in the intense power and silky elegance to be found in Masseto.

The grape bunches were harvested by hand and carefully sorted. After destemming the bunches were subjected to soft crushing. Fermentation took place in concrete tanks while a small portion of the grapes were barrel fermented. Maceration times ranged from 21 to 28 days. The 2018 vintage combines the principal characteristics of a great Masseto - rich and generous but also very fresh and with a firm structure in a wine of great intensity and complexity.

Colour: Intense and dark, almost black.

Bouquet: Expressive nose of perfectly ripe cherries, plums, and spicy new oak.

Taste: The palate is broad and rich and shows refined and silky texture. The finish has a great length with a touch of refreshing tannic grip. A particularly elegant version of Masseto that combines richness and elegance.

Decanter 99 points, James Suckling 98 points, Wine Spectator 96 points.