Questo vino

Vineyard and terroir

Vigna del Masso is a single vineyard in Montalcino, Siena, named for the enormous volcanic boulder at the entrance to the estate. The west-facing site lies at 450 m above sea level and has calcareous-clay soil. Its vines were planted in 2000, trained to spur-pruned cordon and set at a density of 7,000 vines per hectare. The stated yield is 60 hl/ha.

Grapes

Blend proportions vary by vintage. The latest published vintage, 2022, is 100% Sangiovese.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand with cluster selection. In 2022, Vigna del Masso was picked on 20 September. Perfectly ripe grapes reached the cellar with thick, crisp skins suited to prolonged maceration.

Whole clusters ferment spontaneously in terracotta amphorae for three weeks at 24–26°C. There are no pump-overs or punch-downs. Once the vigorous fermentation phase ends, the amphorae are topped up with wine and maceration continues under a submerged cap without external intervention.

Ageing

The wine remains on its skins under a submerged cap until February. After draining, it continues ageing in terracotta amphora until the following September, completing twelve months in amphora, followed by six months in bottle.

Technical data

For the 2022 vintage: 14% alcohol by volume, total acidity of 5.79 g/L, pH 3.53, residual sugar of 1.0 g/L and net dry extract of 33.6 g/L. The bottle format is 750 ml.

Tasting profile

The 2022 is a vivid, brilliant ruby red of moderate depth. Fresh floral aromas of jasmine, violet and rose lead into wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Lavender, liquorice and woodland-floor nuances follow, with earthy and ferrous notes adding complexity to the finish. The palate balances youthfulness, softness and freshness. Its structure is clearly defined without becoming intrusive, and the wine shows notable concentration.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 16°C in large wine glasses and open the bottle one hour before drinking.

Vintage notes

The 2022 growing season was hot and dry, beginning with a mild spring and little rainfall. Temperatures reached 29°C in May. Rainfall totalling 140 mm in late July and early August lowered daytime temperatures and increased the difference between day and night temperatures, helping the vines rebalance ripening. The clusters regained vigour and returned to dimensions typical of Sangiovese. The estate harvest ran from 13 to 23 September, with Vigna del Masso picked on 20 September.