About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Massetino is the second vin of Masseto. Its origins lie on the west-facing, clay-rich Masseto hillside, where the first vines were planted in the early 1980s along a vein of Pliocene blue clay. The wine was conceived from selected wines originating in recently replanted Merlot and Cabernet Franc parcels bounded by a dry-stone wall, together with components not used in the final Masseto blend. Some young parcels did not yet have the character required for Masseto, while others showed sufficient personality to form part of Massetino.
Grapes
Blend proportions vary by vintage. The latest published vintage, 2024, is 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc.
Vinification
For the 2024 vintage, each plot was harvested separately by hand between late August and mid-September. The grapes were collected in 15 kg crates, destemmed and gently crushed, then transferred by gravity into concrete tanks without pumping. Every vineyard parcel was vinified separately.
Fermentation proceeded at approximately 25–28°C. Extraction involved two or three pump-overs per day when required, supplemented by minimally invasive techniques. Average maceration lasted 21–25 days. Malolactic fermentation was completed before maturation began.
Ageing
Massetino 2024 matured for 12 months in oak barriques, half of them new. After blending, it rested for approximately four months in concrete tanks before bottling.
Tasting profile
The 2024 is bright, vibrant ruby with youthful violet highlights. Blackcurrant and red-berry aromas emerge immediately, followed by delicate Mediterranean scrub and balsamic nuances. The palate opens smoothly and harmoniously. Lively freshness gives the wine energy and movement, while clearly defined but controlled tannins integrate into an agile, decisive structure. The tasting was conducted in April 2026.
Vintage notes
The opening months of 2024 brought mild temperatures and intermittent rain, ensuring ample water reserves. Further rainfall during the later stages of vegetative growth encouraged vigorous development and required careful, timely canopy management. Heat arrived at the end of June, when the vines were well prepared for veraison in July and for the concentration of the fruit.
Dry conditions continued until approximately mid-August. A modest decline in temperature then gave the vines relief and allowed ripening to finish with balanced concentration, acidity and aromatic complexity. These qualities remained consistent through the parcel-by-parcel harvest from late August to mid-September, producing a wine characterized by the dynamic nature of the vintage.
Label / history
Massetino debuted with the 2017 vintage and was released in 2019, exactly 30 years after the first vintage of Masseto. The same year marked the completion and inauguration of the Masseto winery designed by Italian architects Zito & Mori. The arrival of the second wine and the opening of the dedicated winery established Masseto as an estate in its own right. Massetino was conceived to share Masseto’s pedigree while balancing power and opulence with discretion and classicism.
