Toscana IGT 2001 Masseto

Masseto is the epitome of wine excellence. A legendary wine, from a terroir with unique vocational characteristics. Universally considered one of the most prestigious wines in the world.

Obtained from a masterful interpretation of pure Merlot grapes, coming from three subzones of the namesake Masseto vineyard, namely Masseto Centrale, Masseto Junior, and Masseto Alto, favored by the presence of a mild-temperate climate and breezes blowing around the nearby sea expanse.

Vintage 2001

The winter of 2001 was milder than normal, accompanied by above-average rainfall, leading to an early budding between the end of March and the beginning of April. The spring, marked by abundant rain and high temperatures, particularly favored the Merlot, which achieved a regular flowering around mid-May. The fruit set was excellent, with larger than usual bunches. The summer maintained regular thermal values with scarce rainfall, while September, cooler than average, allowed for a slow and complete maturation of the polyphenols. The harvest, started in early September, lasted about four weeks, ensuring perfectly healthy and uniformly ripe grapes.

Masseto 2001 is a pure Merlot from the iconic vineyard of Bolgheri, in Tuscany. This vintage strongly and precisely expresses the character of the clayey terroir, offering a rich and powerful interpretation of a balanced vintage. Each parcel was individually managed, from ripening to harvest, to ensure maximum control and preserve the aromatic integrity of the fruit. The result is a monumental wine, capable of combining opulent fruitiness and balanced tannic structure, confirming the unique vocation of the Masseto vineyard.

For the vinification of Masseto 2001, each parcel was hand-picked and transported in 15 kg crates, then subjected to rigorous selection on a conveyor belt. After destemming and soft crushing, the alcoholic fermentation took place in 65 to 125 hl wooden vats, with temperatures between 27 and 30°C. The maceration extended from 21 to 33 days, followed by aging in new French oak barriques, where the malolactic fermentation was completed. The aging lasted a total of 24 months in barriques, with assemblage after the first 12 months and then a return to wood for another year. The wine then continued with an additional 12 months of bottle aging before release.

Masseto 2001 presents itself as a monumental vintage, capable of collecting the legacy of the great vintages of the late '90s. It is a rich, powerful, and exuberant wine, combining opulent notes of ripe fruit with an imposing yet perfectly balanced tannic structure. Already ready to drink, it still holds a great potential for evolution, promising further benefits from extended bottle aging.

Disclaimer

This bottle comes from a private collection kept in environments suited for optimal preservation. It has been carefully examined by our experts, who have guaranteed its condition and authenticity.