Tenuta dell'Ornellaia - Masseto Toscana IGT 2021

The Masseto journey began in 1984 when Lodovico Antinori planted the first vines in the Masseto vineyard. Inspired by his cousin and the renowned work at Sassicaia, Antinori founded Tenuta dell'Ornellaia with a singular goal: to produce world-class Bordeaux-style blends nurtured by Tuscany's renowned terroir. Over time, Masseto evolved and gained independence from the Ornellaia estate, though it is still crafted by the same winemaker and was originally conceived as the estate's "second wine." But it didn't take long for Masseto to outshine Ornellaia's namesake wine, ascending to the pinnacle of the estate's offerings.

The vineyard's true potential was first recognized by the world-renowned wine consultant Andre Tchelistcheff. He recognized that the blue-clay soils were perfect for Merlot production, akin to the revered vineyards of Petrus. Although Merlot was a rarity in Tuscan vineyards at the time, Tchelistcheff's guidance prompted Antinori to plant the vines that would eventually yield one of the world's most sought-after wines.

Fermentation took place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts at temperatures of around 25 - 28°C, with pumping over two or three times a day and délestages where necessary. The total time spent in the tanks ranged from 21 to 28 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in barriques, with 100% new oak, keeping the various batches separate for the first 12 months of aging. Subsequently, the wines were blended and returned to barriques for another year, totaling 24 months. After bottling, the Masseto 2021 underwent a further 12 months of bottle aging before being released on the market.

"Plum and blackberry flavors are wrapped in an embrace of toasty oak, with vanilla, resin and iron accents. Dense tannins coat the gums, while bright acidity keeps this focused and drives the spice-infused aftertaste. Fluid and long, this silky red ultimately is all about finesse. A superb success in a great vintage." - 99 Points, Wine Spectator 

"In 2021, Masseto returns to its original 100% Merlot concept, following two years which saw the inclusion of 15% Cabernet Franc. Following a mild and wet winter, spring was dry and the summer was characterised by higher than average temperatures and periods of drought. Luckily, the vines were quenched by the water reserves built up at the beginning of the year. Masseto 2021 really has everything: it's vertical in shape and saline in character, with succulence of fruit, freshness of profile and finesse of tannins. Mediterranean herbs accompany ripe dark fruit scents and flavours which are yet to reveal all their depth and charm." - 99 Points, Decanter

Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Merlot

Appellation: Toscana IGT 

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml