{"product_id":"masseto-2020-75-cl","title":"Masseto 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eMasseto 2020 is the latest chapter in one of Italy’s most sought‑after cult wines, a single-vineyard Tuscan red that has redefined what Merlot can be on the coast of Bolgheri. In this vintage, the estate introduces a subtle touch of Cabernet Franc into the traditionally Merlot-based blend, adding an extra layer of aromatic lift and structure. Rich, powerful and intensely concentrated, the 2020 is a wine built for the long haul, capturing both the opulence of a warm year and the precision of meticulous vineyard work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Masseto 2020 is deeply opaque and concentrated, with a dense ruby to purple core and a narrow, vibrant rim that hints at its youth and energy. The nose is initially reserved but quickly blossoms with layers of ripe black plum, macerated cherry and blackberry compote, followed by nuances of violets, graphite, cocoa, espresso, warm spice and a faint herbal note—likely the subtle signature of the Cabernet Franc.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is full-bodied and tightly packed, with enormous density and extract. Silky yet authoritative tannins encase a core of ripe, dark fruit, framed by notes of black cherry, plum skin, mocha, cedar, licorice and a mineral, almost saline edge that speaks to the vineyard’s clay soils. The 15% alcohol is seamlessly integrated, adding warmth and volume without feeling heavy, while a vibrant line of acidity keeps everything in balance. The finish is long, savory and persistent, currently more about structure and potential than immediate charm. This is a wine that demands patience: it will benefit from at least 8–10 years of cellaring and should continue to evolve beautifully for 25 years or more in a proper cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMasseto comes from a single, celebrated hillside vineyard on the Tuscan coast near Bolgheri, planted primarily to Merlot on complex, blue clay and sandy soils that provide both superb drainage and natural water retention. The maritime influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea moderates the warmth of vintages like 2020, while careful canopy management and refined farming practices help achieve slow, even ripening despite higher temperatures. The grapes are hand-harvested in small lots, parcel by parcel, at optimal maturity, then sorted meticulously before fermentation. Vinification typically takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, with each plot vinified separately to preserve its distinct character. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in small French oak barriques (a significant portion new) for around two years, with the components blended only after careful evaluation, and then given further time in bottle before release to harmonize its concentration, tannin and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiven its power and structure, Masseto 2020 is best paired with richly flavored, refined dishes that can stand up to its intensity: think slow-braised beef or veal, Tuscan-style bistecca alla fiorentina, roasted lamb with rosemary, game birds, or truffle-infused dishes and aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to keep the alcohol in balance and showcase the aromatics. In its youth, this vintage will benefit greatly from extended aeration; decant 2–3 hours before serving if opened within the first decade, and about 1–1.5 hours for bottles with more age, to allow the bouquet to unfurl and the tannins to soften.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMasseto is produced by one of Tuscany’s most prestigious estates on the Bolgheri coast, originally connected to the Ornellaia project that helped put this corner of Tuscany on the world wine map. Conceived from the outset as a single-vineyard expression of Merlot grown on unique clay soils, Masseto has since become one of Italy’s true icon wines, regularly commanding top scores and a global following among collectors. The vineyard’s distinctive terroir and the estate’s relentless attention to detail—from low yields and precise vineyard management to exacting selection and élevage—have cemented Masseto’s status as a benchmark for world-class Merlot and a flagship for the broader Bolgheri and Tuscan regions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Masseto","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252488819025,"sku":"PS-15126654550396","price":922.86,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/dwaaedwaeadwa.png?v=1783444857","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/masseto-2020-75-cl","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}