MASSETO
To open a bottle, is to unleash a liquid kaleidoscope. A rare combination of sumptuous opulence and polished elegance.
As a tribute to its rugged force, its softness, and the debt it owes to the soil from which it rises, Masseto was named
after the rock-hard clusters of blue clay called ‘massi’ that form on the vineyard’s surface.

1995
The prevailing climate throughout 1995 was characterised by a relatively late spring which consequently
influenced the flowering of the vines. Flowering initiated on 24-25 May for the Merlot grapes. The end of
June and the onset of July were somewhat cooler than the norm, followed suddenly by approximately 30
days of exceptionally hot weather. Intermittent showers started around the 8th of August with temperatures dropping and remaining somewhat cooler throughout the month of September. The harvest took
place on the 4th and 13th of September 1995.

TASTING NOTES: This is a fine vintage, even though it experienced cool, rainy weather at the start of
the harvest. The result is a great Masseto, ripe and opulent, that has developed considerable elegance over
the years. It presents sensuous impressions of smooth fruit, dark chocolate, and roast expresso bean; a
densely-woven, velvet-textured palate; and still-expressive tannins on the finish. It has reached full maturity and will still hold nicely for many years.

VINIFICATION AND AGEING
The bunches, hand harvested in 15kg crates, were selected by hand on a double sorting table before and after destemming
and then subjected to soft crushing. Fermentation took place in concrete tanks, small portions of vineyards in barrel at
temperatures between 25 and 30°C. Maceration times ranged from 21 to 28 days. Malolacticfermentation began in 100% new oak
barrique barrels, while keeping the various lots separate for the first 12
months of ripening.
Subsequently, the wine was blended and reintroduced once again into the barrels for another year, for a total of 24 months.
As usual, Masseto is given another 12 months in bottle before being released on the market.