Masseto is a true legend of the Bolgheri region, born from an exceptional terroir and a visionary approach to winemaking. This prestigious estate is located on the Tuscan coast, in the hills of Bolgheri, where just 7 hectares of Merlot have been cultivated since 1986 — a vineyard that has become one of the most iconic in the world.
The name Masseto derives from the dense blue clay soils (“masso”) that dominate the site and date back to the Pliocene era. These unique soils, combined with a maritime climate and constant coastal breezes, give the wine its remarkable structure, depth, and longevity. The extraordinary potential of this vineyard was first recognized in the late 1970s by legendary consultant André Tchelistcheff, who foresaw its exceptional suitability for Merlot.
History and Philosophy
The story of Masseto began in 1981, when it was founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori, at the same time he was developing the renowned Ornellaia estate. Initially conceived as part of the Ornellaia project, Masseto quickly proved to be something unique and soon established its own identity as a standalone icon.
Since 2005, the estate has been owned by the Frescobaldi family, who continue to develop Masseto as one of the world’s most celebrated expressions of Merlot.
In 2019, a new, purpose-built gravity-flow winery was inaugurated, designed exclusively for Masseto. This state-of-the-art facility allows for the utmost precision at every stage of production and preserves the purest expression of the vineyard’s terroir.
Vineyards and Winemaking
The Masseto vineyard lies on a slope composed of varying clay layers, and each parcel is vinified separately to capture its individual character. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with extremely strict selection.
Winemaking is defined by meticulous attention to detail:
- spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts
- maceration lasting 21–28 days in concrete tanks
- malolactic fermentation and extended ageing in French oak barrels (50–100% new)
- each parcel aged separately before the final blend is assembled through extensive tasting
Style and Reputation
Masseto is widely regarded as one of the greatest Merlot wines in the world, often compared to the finest wines of Pomerol. Its hallmark characteristics include:
- extraordinary concentration
- velvety texture
- deep aromas of black fruit, cocoa, spice, and earthy notes
- exceptional ageing potential, often spanning decades
Today, Masseto stands as an icon not only of Italian wine, but of global fine winemaking, a benchmark for what Merlot can achieve when terroir, vision, and craftsmanship align at the highest level.
