
Winery: Masseto
Country / Region: Italy / Tuscany - Toscana
Date Winery was established: 1981
Grape Variety: Merlot
First Vintage Released: 1989
Alcohol Content / Volume: 14.5% / 750ml
Ratings: 93 pts Wine Enthusiast / 92 pts Wine Spectator
Decanting Time: Decant only for 30 minutes to less than 1 hour. Decant only to remove sediments (wines at this age and high quality will tend to have sediments form in the bottle. This is completely normal and a sign of the wine's age and quality. Another way to avoid sediments going in the glass is to rest the bottle vertically for at least 1 hour so that the sediments settle at the bottom and pour gently or pour using a fine strainer.). Serve at 16 - 18°C
Our suggestion for decanting time is based on bottles we tried at Txanton in 2020. We guarantee that Txanton stocks are imported and maintained in proper storage within the correct temperature and humidity suitable for wine.
Good To Know: Arguably the most famous and exceptional "Super Tuscan" that is made entirely of Merlot, Masseto is renowned for its aromatic complexity, opulent fruit and well integrated tannic structure, as well as consistently being regarded as one of the top wines in the world by both collectors and critics alike.
The Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto 1996 is an incredibly ripe vintage with a gorgeous earthy and savory edge. Tasted in 2020, the wine has matured into an incredible display of longevity and complexity. Ripe red fruit aromas have matured into dark berry preserve and dark black cherry notes. Nuances of fine leather and wild herbs also emerge on the nose. The palate reveals notes of fruit cake, dried cranberries and licorice aloft nuances of vanilla and sweet tobacco. The finish produces mellowed, velvety tannins and still surprisingly lingers despite its age.
First released by the famous Tenuta dell'Ornellaia in 1984, Masseto garnered immediate fame and accord. Today, production totals around a highly limited, 35,000 bottles a year. Similar to Ornellaia, Masseto has been owned by the Frescobaldis since 2005 with Michel Rolland as its current lead consultant following the death of Tchelistcheff in 1994.