Masseto 2004 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Wine description

The Masseto is among the most important, rare and prestigious red wines in the world, a king of Italian wine history. A masterpiece of absolute power and elegance, it is sought after by the greatest wine collectors and is a star at international auctions. A highly valuable wine capable of integrating modernity and tradition into a mythological and legendary interpretation of a unique terroir. The first label was launched in 1986 with the simple name of "Merlot", a few years later the estate renamed it Masseto. Thirty years after, this 100% Merlot continues to stand stands among the greatest wines of the world as an exceptional single-vineyard expression.

Tasting Notes

Particularly intense ruby red colour, followed by a nose in which ripe and intense dark fruit blends with subtle notes of cocoa and spices. On the palate it is perfectly harmonious, fresh and soft, structured and elegant, with pleasant tannins.

Vinification

Seven different lots are vinified during the harvest. The bunches, hand harvested in 15kg crates, are evaluated and selected by hand before and after destemming and then subjected to soft crushing. Each lot of the vineyard is vinified separately. Fermentation takes place in both steel and wood tanks, small portions of vineyards in barrel. Fermentation is followed by 15-20 days maceration at a temperature between 25 and 30° C. Afterwards, malolactic fermentation begins in 100% new oak barrique barrels, while keeping the various lots separate for the first 12 months of ripening.

Ageing

The wine is blended and reintroduced once again into the barrels for another year, for a total of 24 months. The ageing process then continues in bottle for another 12 months before being released on the market.