Wines

Masseto 2002 is a full-bodied Supertuscan red wine produced in the Bolgheri sub-region of Tuscany. Masseto is the iconic single-vineyard Merlot-based Tuscan red wine of Tenuta dell`Ornellaia in Bolgheri. Masseto is produced from an organically farmed 8ha vineyard characterised by distinctive blue-grey clay soils reminiscent of those found at Château Petrus in Pomerol, thus earning this wine the soubriquet `the Italian Petrus`. "The 2002 is another eye-opening wine. The year is mostly remembered for its cool, wet summer and a number of dilute, uninteresting wines. Not here. The 2002 Masseto will go down as one of the handful of truly great wines made that year. I imagine in ten or twenty years it will be fascinating to taste alongside Miani`s Merlot, Soldera`s Brunello Riserva and Conterno`s Monfortino. There is no question the wine is in that league. Today the 2002 remains a baby, with tons of depth in its dark fruit. Hints of rose petal and spice develop in the glass, adding further complexity. There is plenty of structure underneath, suggesting the 2002 will be a very long-lived wine. Today, it is a knock-out." Antonio Galloni, 2011

The 2002 Masseto is a testament to the resilience and dedication to quality at Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. Despite a challenging vintage year, this Masseto emerged exceptionally well, showcasing the distinctive terroir-driven characteristics of the vineyard. It expresses rich notes of ripe dark fruits, layered with earthy complexity and a velvety texture, reflecting the meticulous care in the vineyard and the cellar. Ripe dark fruits, earthiness, and velvety texture characterize this wine, with a perfect balance of acidity and tannins.

The Masseto collection is focused on showcasing the exceptional quality of Merlot from its single vineyard. Each vintage is a reflection of the terroir and the year's unique conditions, offering a distinct and precious expression of place.

Masseto is an esteemed winemaker located in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, Italy, celebrated for its exceptional Merlot wines. Established in the late 20th century, Masseto quickly gained renown for producing some of Italy's most sought-after and collectible wines. The history of Masseto dates back to the 1980s when the winery's founders recognized the potential of Merlot grapes cultivated in the gravelly soils of the Bolgheri coastal region. Inspired by the success of Bordeaux's Merlot-based wines, they set out to create a premium Italian wine that would showcase the unique terroir of Bolgheri. Masseto's flagship wine, also named Masseto, is crafted exclusively from Merlot grapes grown in the estate's vineyards. The wine is known for its richness, elegance, and complexity, offering a harmonious balance of ripe fruit, velvety tannins, and well-integrated oak flavors. Masseto's winemaking philosophy emphasizes precision and attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process. From vineyard management to fermentation and aging, the estate employs meticulous techniques to ensure that each bottle of Masseto reflects the purity and expression of its terroir. The limited production of Masseto wines adds to their allure and exclusivity, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Each vintage of Masseto is eagerly anticipated and often receives high praise from critics and wine connoisseurs. In addition to its flagship wine, Masseto also produces a second wine called "Massetino," which offers a more accessible expression of the estate's winemaking style while still maintaining a high level of quality and character. Masseto's wines represent the epitome of Italian winemaking excellence, embodying the rich heritage, passion, and innovation of the Bolgheri region. With its unwavering commitment to quality and its ability to capture the essence of its terroir in every bottle, Masseto continues to captivate wine lovers around the world with its extraordinary wines.