The story of Masseto began in the 1980s with a visionary intuition. Lodovico Antinori, founder of the Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, together with Swiss oenologist André Tchelistcheff, decided to take a chance on a hill of just 7 hectares characterized by a soil unique in the world: a deposit of blue clay from the Pliocene.

Although the Bolgheri area was at the time considered ideal above all for Cabernet Sauvignon, Tchelistcheff realized that the freshness and plasticity of the blue clay would provide the perfect terroir for Merlot.

• 1986 – The first vintage: The first harvest is produced, initially used for blends or sold as simple "Merlot".
• 1987 – The commercial breakthrough: The first vintage officially released under the name Masseto is born, taking its name from the enduring clay boulders (the "massi") that form in the vineyard.
• International acclaim: From the very first editions, the wine drew the attention of international critics for its aromatic complexity and velvety tannins, going on to collect stellar scores (including 100/100 from Wine Spectator and Robert Parker in several vintages).
• An independent winery: For decades produced within Tenuta dell'Ornellaia (owned by the Frescobaldi family since 2005), in 2019 Masseto inaugurated its own independent underground winery, carved directly into the hillside that gives life to the wine.

Today Masseto is a true collectible icon, produced in limited quantities and fiercely sought after at the world's leading wine auctions.