Massetino 2024

Originating from Italy in the upper Maremma region of coastal Tuscany, specifically within the Bolgheri area under the Toscana IGT classification, Massetino 2024 represents a vibrant, refined, and aristocratic second wine from the legendary Masseto estate. First introduced with the 2017 vintage to mark the official opening of Masseto’s subterranean winery, Massetino was created to allow a strict parcel selection for the grand vin while offering a focused, earlier-drinking window into the estate's blue clay terroir. Cultivated on the same historic coastal hill facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, the vines grow in pliocene-era blue clays (argille azzurre) intermixed with pebbles and marine fossils, which buffer summer heat and supply constant moisture to the root systems. Owned by the Frescobaldi family and directed by estate director Marco Balsimelli, the vineyard is managed with rigorous micro-parcel viticulture, manual harvesting in small 15-kilogram crates, and optical sorting. Vinification takes place in gravity-fed, plot-dedicated concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, after which the wine ages for approximately 12 to 15 months in fine French oak barriques (around 50% new oak) followed by additional resting in bottle. The result is a luminous, high-calibre Tuscan red distinguished by immediate aromatic generosity, supple cashmere tannins, and pristine varietal tension.

The wine presents a luminous, deep ruby-purple colour with vibrant crimson and magenta reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly perfumed bouquet opens with noble aromas of ripe black cherry, wild blackberry, fresh damson plum, and sweet cassis, interwoven with sophisticated notes of Mediterranean scrub, dark cocoa nibs, dried violets, crushed blue clay minerality, pencil lead, and warm French oak cedar spice. On the palate, it is medium-to-full bodied, silken, and energetic, delivering concentrated flavours of dark stone fruits, tart red currant, and savoury mineral earth, all supported by a bright, mouthwatering spine of natural cool-climate acidity. Framed by architectural, extraordinarily fine-grained velvety tannins and a harmonious, seamlessly layered mid-palate structure, it concludes with a long, persistent finish marked by lingering dark berries, dried wild herbs, and a clean, saline graphite grip. Crafted predominantly from Merlot accented with a judicious proportion of Cabernet Franc, this 2024 release offers an optimal drinking window spanning 2027–2042+. Stylistically, it combines Mediterranean fruit generosity, vibrant structural lift, and effortless textural refinement.