Toscana IGT 1996 Masseto

Masseto is excellence in a bottle. A legendary wine, stemming from a uniquely exceptional terroir. Considered unanimously as one of the most prestigious wines in the world.

Obtained from a masterful interpretation of pure Merlot grapes, sourced from three subzones of the homonymous Masseto vineyard, namely Masseto Centrale, Masseto Junior, and Masseto Alto, benefitting from the coexistence of a mild-temperate climate and breezes blowing near the marine expanse.

Vintage 1996

The spring of 1996 was characterized by below-average temperatures, resulting in a delayed bud break. The Merlot bloomed only at the end of May, on the 24th and 25th. The summer remained stable, without excessive heat peaks, but in mid-August, some rainfall slowed the ripening. However, at the beginning of September, there was a significant rise in temperatures that favored the full maturation of the grapes. The harvest, which took place between the 8th and 12th of September, was accompanied by a meticulously careful grape selection to ensure the highest quality.

Masseto 1996 is a pure Merlot from the famous vineyard in Bolgheri, Tuscany. In this vintage, the wine expresses the power of the clay terroir with a sumptuous and rich character, capable of transforming a late-maturing year into a surprising result. The meticulous management of every stage of the vineyard allowed for the preservation of balance and aromatic intensity, once again confirming Masseto's unique identity.

The vinification involved destemming and crushing followed by alcoholic fermentation in vats, with temperatures never exceeding 30°C. The maceration lasted 18-20 days, after which the wine was transferred into new French oak barrels, where it completed malolactic fermentation. The aging in barrels lasted a total of 24 months, followed by an additional 12 months in the bottle before release.

The Masseto 1996 stands out as a dense and sumptuous wine, even richer than the already celebrated 1995, albeit with less structured tannins. On the palate, it appears fully rounded, harmonious, and convincing, still revealing considerable potential for further bottle aging. Nonetheless, its immediacy and complexity make it irresistible today, hard to retain in the cellar without the urge to taste it.

Disclaimer

This bottle comes from a private collection maintained in conditions suitable for optimal preservation. It has been meticulously examined by our experts, who have ensured its condition and authenticity.