MASSETO TOSCANA ROSSO 1995

 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.

Code ORNELLAIA74

Alternative Code: 8889164425032

Goods Category:Tuscany

Unit of Measurement:NR

Vintage:1995

Producer:TENUTA DELL'ORNELLAIA

Grape variety:100% merlot

0.750LT