2016

A common scenario in recent years, the winter of 2016 was characterized by abnormally warm weather with heavy rainfall in February. Budbreak took place on time in the last week of March.
The abundance of water in the soil and the warm weather in April led to quick and normal vegetative vine growth. Towards May temperatures returned to normal, slowing the growth down slightly, bringing about the flowering which took place in the last week of May with dry sunny weather, perfect for a good fruit-set. The summer temperatures were in the norm with very little rain, favouring a notable water stress towards the end of ripening. The usual mid-August storms were also absent, maintaining a state of hydric stress through the first part of the harvest. Luckily temperatures significantly cooled off at night, allowing the vines to recover from the daytime temperatures. Ripening went on steadily building up excellent phenolic potential and a balanced sugar/acidity ratio. Harvest started early on the 24th August with the younger vines. In September a few rain showers arrived, providing enough water in the soil to prevent the vines from shutting down. This allowed us to complete harvest under virtually perfect conditions. The older vines of ‘Masseto centrale’ took great advantage from this situation and continued their ripening until the third week of September. The last plots were picked on the 20th September.

TASTING NOTES

2016 represents a textbook vintage for Masseto, with a typical coastal Tuscan clima- te that saw a dry and sunny growing season, abundant sunshine with just enough rain to allow perfect ripe- ning. Particularly intense and young in colour, followed by a nose in which ripe and intense dark fruit blends with subtle notes of cocoa and spices. On the palate it develops a rich and dense frame of ripe and caressing tannins balanced by luscious and vibrant fruit and a vivid acidity that keeps the long finish clean and vibrant.