Masseto - Toscana 2022
Masseto Description
The 2022 vintage was characterised by a rather standard winter, with temperatures close to the seasonal average, followed by a cool and dry spring. This led to budding dates that were slightly later than usual. Starting at the end of May, however, temperatures were already quite high, touching peaks of 35°C and with a long period of hot weather and drought lasting around 75 days, affecting the natural cycle of our vines. Fortunately, these weather conditions were followed by rainfall, in the form of characteristic summer storms, which relieved the situation, restoring the physiological balance of the vines as they prepared for the 2022 harvest. September was ideal for the accumulation of sugars, aromas and tannins, thanks mainly to cool overnight temperatures. The harvest took place in excellent conditions, allowing us to choose the ideal harvest date for each individual parcel. The first Merlot grapes were harvested on 6 September and the harvest ended on 9 October with the Cabernet Franc grapes.
Coming from a unique soil, the personality of the grapes used for Masseto 2022 is perfectly reflected in the wine, which expresses a concentration of small red fruits that are immediately recognisable in the glass. A vibrant, bright red colour, distinctive of its identity, opens the way to a rich mouthfeel and seductive flavour. Naturally powerful, it has its final months of ageing in the bottle, where it finds the perfect balance between strength and elegance that always define its style.
Decanter: 98 Points
The summer was so arid in 2022 that the vines shut down and ripening was halted until mid-August rains arrived. This helped to preserve acidity in the grapes, giving sensational freshness to balance the rich and finely structured palate. Masseto 2022, then, combines the best of both worlds: fruit ripeness and concentration, and freshness and poise. It's not as immediately seductive as the 2021, but there is so much potential in this long-lived vintage. Scents of cool, damp earth, dark hedgerow berries, Mediterranean scrub, and cocoa and wood give a sense of what is to come once time has untangled everything. Zingy, crunchy acidity steals the show early on, segueing into a mouthful of succulent yet dense dark berries and spice imbued with plenty of energy. Then some balsamic herbs and floral notes lighten the palate, before a touch of salinity and some bitter herbs emerge on the finish, with a refrain of bright cherry. Something special.
Jeb Dunnuck: 96 Points
The 2022 Massetino is Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, and the color is a deep purple/magenta with rich extract in the glass. It offers deep notes of dark stones, a very unique perfume of lavender oils, rosemary, cedar, leather, and delicate toasty incense lifting from the glass. Plush and full-bodied, it’s more approachable and round on the palate, with notes of mocha, velvety plush tannins, even acidity, and a good deal of length.
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
The Masseto 2022 Massetino is 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc in a well-played supporting role, especially in a hot vintage such as this. The two varieties make an impressive match to create a wine of density, richness and dark fruit flavors powered by a hearty 15% alcohol content. The philosophy behind Massetino is to allow for a more accessible side of the celebrated Masseto. The two wines share the same DNA in terms of fruit sourcing and winemaking. This edition is packed tight with black fruit, spice and toast. It offers an elegant tannic backbone and good freshness too.
