La Massa - Giorgio Primo 2021

Fattoria La Massa can be found hidden amongst the Chianti Classico hills of Panzano in the prestigious “Conca d’Oro” (or Golden Basin). It was acquired by its passionate owner, Giampaolo Motta, in 1992. Giampaolo, originally from Naples, came to the area in 1989 to follow his dream of making high-quality wines. After working in some of the most famous Chianti Classico estates and spending time in Bordeaux, Giampaolo established La Massa with the technical consultation of famed enologist and friend Carlo Ferrini. Since the end 2008, he has relied on the advice of renowned Stéphane Derenoncourt for the approach in the vineyards and cellar.

La Massa’s vineyards range in altitude from 315 to 460 meters (1,033 to 1,510 feet) above sea level, occupying an area of about 45 hectares (111 acres), of which 27 are planted with vines. As a result of a 10-year research project dedicated to understanding the distinct terroir of the area, a complete restructuring of the vineyards has been carried out over the past few years, respecting the particular characteristics of the soil, geography and microclimate.

The estate’s main varieties are the classic Tuscan Sangiovese as well as varieties more typical of Bordeaux, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Giampaolo is passionate about the great wines of Bordeaux and has demonstrated the magnificent potential that these varieties have in the terroir of La Massa.

La Massa today produces three wines: the flagship Super Tuscan Giorgio Primo IGT (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot); the second wine La Massa IGT (predominantly Sangiovese, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot); and launched in 2014 the Carla 6 (100% Sangiovese). Driven by an unremitting pursuit of excellence, Giampaolo’s dedication and enthusiasm continues to be recognized worldwide, receiving accolades for his wines from the most important wine critics and publications.

Properly managed fermentation, lasting approximately 15-20 days, and subsequent racking directly into new French oak barriques yielded well-structured wines with elegant aromatics. The 18-month aging period begins with an initial 10-month period in which the wine comes into contact with the fine lees, maintained by frequent batonage and macro-oxygenation.

"The 2021 Giorgio Primo reveals an inky dark color and rich concentration. It shows a pretty sense of textural smoothness that remains intact from start to finish, adding volume along the way. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. You taste the Cabernet Sauvignon with hints of grilled herb and bay leaf along with plenty of blackberry and baked plum.” - 97 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

"Elegance and complexity go hand in hand in the sleek aromas of milk chocolate, black cherries, bramble fruit, incense, cocoa powder and restrained flowers. Full-bodied, it shows rare density and elegant, velvety tannins with long, refreshing acidity." - 96 Points, James Suckling

"The highlight in this range, the 2021 Giorgio Primo is one of the finest wines Giampaolo Motta has ever made. Vertical and explosive, with striking persistence, the 2021 dazzles from start to finish. Scents of blackberry, graphite, new leather, licorice, incense and lavender are immediately alluring. Swaths of tannin and veins of acidity suggest that at least a few years of cellaring are warranted. Today the 2021 is decidedly embryonic. It was an unusual vintage marked by early-season frost, hail and then a very hot summer, which resulted in small grapes and very loose bunches.” - 96 Points, Vinous

Producer: La Massa

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml