For three decades, Masseto has raised from its humble beginning to become one of the most sought-after wines on the planet and a true myth for collectors.
Masseto’s Story
Founded by Lodovico Antinori (who created Ornellaia) in 1981, Masseto is known to be a wine that shouldn't exist. Lodovico was dissuaded by locals to undertake the vineyard, however, he followed his guts and created an absolute masterpiece. He looked beyond local winemaking traditions and saw the potential of the land where the unique blue and grey clay soils are well exposed to the sun while cool down by the maritime winds.
Due to global warming, the vinification has evolved throughout the years. Wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts; micro plots are fermented separately and maturation in French oak has been extended. The site has also been extended however, the production for Masseto has remained the same at around 30,000 bottles. A second wine, Massetino, has been produced since 2017.
What We Think
Masseto may have been in the shadow of Ornellaia for some time however, it has now gained the fame it deserves and is the ultimate expression of a single vineyard planted with a single variety. The first vintage was released in 1986 to immediate acclaim and Masseto’s reputation has kept increasing year on year. The 2001 vintage was the first to receive the perfect 100 points sealing the wine’s fate as a collectible. Masseto is in a league of its own, but it is also a Super Tuscan which excels as an investment asset. The 2010 vintage has returned about 90% since 2016, 45% for 2015 vintage since 2018 and 50% for the 2016 vintage since 2020.
The 2021 vintage has received a perfect 100 points from wine expert Antonio Galloni. Made with 100% Merlot, as per the original version, the bottle has changed to lighter version for the first time. This is also one of the last vintages (until 2023) made by talented winemaker Axel Heinz. Collectors will be keen to secure a case.
Masseto 2021 - The Scores
After destemming and gentle crushing, the grapes were transferred to concrete tanks by gravity, without any pumping. Each individual parcel of the vineyard was vinified separately. Fermentation took place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, with pumping over two or three times a day. Malolactic fermentation took place in barriques, with 100% new oak, keeping the various batches separate for the first 12 months of ageing. Subsequently, the wines were blended and returned to barriques for another year, totalling 24 months. After bottling, the Masseto 2020 underwent a further 12 months of bottle ageing before release.
The 2021 Masseto is a stunner. It also shows how much the estate has evolved in recent years. It represents a move towards a more refined style. There is less of a bombastic intensity and extraction that were once the norm here. I remember young vintages that were impossible to taste young. The 2021, on the other hand, is an absolute delight. Crushed flowers, spice, blood orange and bright, red-toned fruit all grace the palate. Floral aromatics and saline underpinnings are at times reminiscent of the Cabernet Franc found in the 2019 and 2020, but the 2021 is back to the classic 100% Merlot. Readers will find a Masseto built on linear energy more than volume. The 2021 is quite simply the most exquisite, refined young Masseto I have ever tasted. - 100 points Vinous
Dark purple color. Blackberry, blueberry, flint, gunmetal and currant aromas with undertones of violets and mocha. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are very polished, giving a silky texture that fills your mouth. It’s fresh yet very deep, with tannins that last for minutes. Finely crafted and classy. Pure merlot. Drink after 2029. - 98 points James Suckling
The 2021 Masseto is back to being 100% Merlot. Recent past vintages saw a tiny part of Cabernet Franc. That second varietal in the blend represents the proverbial "tax" one must pay in the face of climate change, especially when making wine on the sun-drenched Tuscan Coast. This is a very rich and elaborate expression with the extract, tannic tightness and the hefty 15.5% alcohol content to match. It comes off as quite big-boned or monotone. The wine is redolent of blackberry confit and cooked cherry, with a wide range of sweet oak spices to close. There is dark chocolate with a thin lining of creamy mint filling. Within the context of that fullness and generous fruit weight, Masseto is quite a commitment in terms of price and further cellaring. More bottle aging is an absolute requirement. - 95 points Robert Parker
Massetino 2022 - The Scores
Massetino is the second wine of Masseto, which allows people to have a taste of the Masseto’s brilliance. 100% Merlot aged for 24 months in new oak barrel and one year in bottle.