# Massetino (2020)

- **Producer:** Masseto
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €330
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe fruit, black cherry, blackberry, sweet spice, pencil shavings, smoke, tar, cigar

## About this wine

Massetino Masseto 2020 is a red wine from the Tuscany IGT appellation, produced by Masseto. It is a blend primarily composed of Merlot, with a smaller percentage of Cabernet Franc. The wine originates from the Masseto estate, established in the 1980s on a Tuscan hillside known for its unique clay-rich soils. Massetino is considered the second wine of Masseto, utilizing parcels and components not selected for the primary Masseto bottling, aiming to offer a more accessible expression of the estate's terroir and winemaking style. The 2020 vintage was marked by warm and sunny weather, contributing to the wine's concentrated fruit profile.

## Interesting facts

- Massetino is the 'second wine' of the legendary Masseto estate.
- It's often referred to as the 'Pétrus of Italy'.
- The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm and sunny Tuscan year.
- The blend is predominantly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and polished tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like beef and lamb, while the ripe fruit notes can echo or contrast with fruit-based sauces. The wine's structure can stand up to robust flavors and richer preparations.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Massetino Masseto 2020 begins with hand-harvested grapes, which are transferred to concrete tanks via gravity after destemming and light crushing. Each lot is vinified separately, with spontaneous fermentation initiated by wild yeast at temperatures between 25-28°C, lasting for 21 to 25 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels, with a portion of new oak used. After 12 months of aging, the wine is blended and returned to barrels for a further three months before bottling.