Merlot 97% Cabernet Franc 3%
A ‘second vin’ born after the selection made for Masseto, which shares the same pedigree as its sibling. First vintage produced: 2017. Market release: in October 2019. Extremely limited production.
CLIMATE AND VINTAGE
After a mild and rainy winter, March saw a temporary drop in temperatures, with a few nights below 0°C at the very beginning of budding in the last week of the month. However, the newly opened shoots were still protected by the cottony tissue of the bud, which made it possible to avoid damage from frost. The rest of spring included generally warm weather with normal rainfall, ensuring regular vegetative development until flowering, which took place between 20 and 25 May. June had an intense rainy period towards the middle of the month, followed by a very long period of drought with a substantial absence of rain and torrid temperatures until the end of August. The veraison was homogeneous and rapid between 20 and 25 July, with the grapes beginning to ripen under a blazing sun. Rains came at the end of August and brought a considerable drop in temperatures, with night lows reaching as low as 13°C: ideal conditions for the Merlots to complete their ripening. They were harvested early and quickly to preserve maximum freshness and just in time to avoid a sudden heat wave lasting a week, where the temperatures reached as high as 37 degrees. The Merlot harvest was completed on 14 September, followed almost immediately by the Cabernet Franc harvest which ended on 16 September.
VINIFICATION AND AGEING
The grapes were harvested by hand in 15 kg crates. After destemming and light crushing, the grapes were transferred to concrete tanks by gravity, without any pumping. Every single lot of the vineyard was vinified separately. Fermentation occurred spontaneously with wild yeast at temperatures around 25-28°C, with two to three pump-overs a day and délestages when appropriate. Total time in tanks ranged between 21 to 25 days Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels, with 50% new oak. After the first 12 months of ageing the wine was blended and put back into barrels for a further 3 months before bottling.
TASTING NOTES
The bold, purple colour of Massetino 2020 immediately strikes the eye, ready to reveal its strong identity. The hints of ripe cherry and undergrowth perceived on the nose are consistent, with the beautiful crispness and freshness of the fruit. In this ideal combination of power and flavour intensity, Massetino 2020 perfectly embodies the traits of the vintage.
95 Wine Advocate
“The estate's second wine, Massetino is produced in even smaller quantities than the flagship Masseto. First produced in the 2017 vintage from younger vines now approaching 20 years old, with some plot selection too, it has always included a small proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend along with the Merlot. Massetino 2020 is a precise wine with beautifully aromatic plum and cherry scents supported by touches of damp earth and liquorice. In the mouth, soft, bright cherry and peppery spice are given definition by clean acidity and fine-grained tannins, with a long, floral and fresh finish. Gorgeous.”
“The Masseto 2020 Massetino (Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc) is extremely generous and rich. This wine puts it all out there in full view with a bouquet that is stitched together with ripe blackberry and black cherry preserves, black stone or pencil shaving, sweet spice, cigar, smoke and tar. This was a warm and sunny vintage, and you feel the power of those sunbeams locked within the dark, opulent and concentrated fruit on display here. This is a special treat, and the 2020 edition offers a clear identity for Massetino. This vintage comes close to out-powering the bouquet of the 2019 Masseto also hitting the market now.”