Masseto 2023

## Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Masseto 2023 **Tasting** *Appearance*
This wine reveals a deep ruby hue with violet highlights, reflecting its great youth and vibrancy. *Nose*
The aromatic bouquet opens with intense notes of blackberries and ripe cherries. It is then enriched with hints of black pepper, sweet tobacco and an elegant nuance of graphite. *Palate*
On the palate, the structure is both elegant and assured, carried by young, silky tannins. The acidity brings a lovely freshness that enhances a deep, vibrant fruit, leading to a harmonious and particularly enveloping finish. **Food and Wine Pairing**
This great red wine pairs beautifully with roasted or braised noble meats, such as a fine cut of aged beef, veal chop or confit milk-fed lamb. It also pairs very well with game served with rich reductions, as well as with aged hard cheeses such as an old Parmesan or Tuscan pecorino. ## The Refinement and Balance of a Great Tuscan Merlot **The estate**
Founded in 1987 in the heart of Tuscany, on the Bolgheri coast, Masseto has established itself as a global benchmark. Born from the inspired idea of planting merlot on a hillside of blue clay, this exceptional cuvée was originally part of the Ornellaia estate before becoming independent. Now the exclusive property of the Frescobaldi family, the estate cultivates its unique identity across a vineyard of approximately seven hectares. Renowned for its rarity and prestige, this wine embodies Italian excellence, combining power and refinement in the purest spirit of the great international crus. **The vineyard**
Located on the Tyrrhenian coast within the IGT Toscana, the vineyard covers approximately seven hectares at an altitude of between 100 and 110 metres. The vines, averaging twenty to thirty years old, benefit from a gentle slope facing the sea and an exceptional terroir composed of Pliocene blue clay marls, interspersed with gravel and sand. Farmed organically since 2012, the estate promotes biodiversity through cover crops planted between the rows. Viticulture here is meticulous and entirely manual, with a planting density of around 4,000 vines per hectare to help control the vigour of the vines. **The vintage**
The year began with a mild winter that encouraged an early awakening of the vines. A particularly rainy spring helped replenish water reserves in the clay soils, requiring careful vine management and selection. Summer proved warm, with temperatures reaching around 35°C, though without extreme heatwaves. Thanks to the spring water reserves, ripening progressed slowly and evenly. Finally, rainfall in late August combined with cool September nights ensured optimal concentration while preserving lovely acidity. **Winemaking and ageing**
The grapes destined for Masseto 2023 are hand-harvested in small 15-kilogram crates. After gentle destemming and pressing, the berries are transferred to concrete vats by gravity. Each plot is vinified separately. Fermentation begins naturally through indigenous yeasts, with temperatures maintained between 25 and 28°C. Pump-overs and rack-and-return are carried out throughout this stage, followed by a maceration period of 21 to 28 days depending on the batch. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in new oak barrels. The wines age separately for one year before being blended and returned to barrel for a further twelve months, totalling 24 months of oak ageing. A year of rest in bottle completes the process before release. **Grape variety**
100% Merlot