Masseto 2014
The Wine
The 2014 vintage will remain as one of the most particular in Masseto’s history. A warm and rainy winter was followed by a mild, dry spring that permitted a normal vegetative development with a timely and even flowering. After regular conditions in July, August was rainy and cold, creating difficulty for the grapes to ripen and increasing the risk of diseases. However, the meticulous work carried out in the vineyard, including leaf removal and treatments throughout the month of August, allowed the grapes to arrive in excellent condition for harvest in September and October when the weather was mostly sunny and dry.
As always, great terroirs tell their own story, and in 2014 the blue clays of Masseto showed their capacity to a full by swelling and making the soils impenetrable, thus avoiding excessive accumulation of water and the dilution of the grapes. During the harvest a very careful selection of bunches was essential and some specific vineyard blocks were harvested in up to three different stages. A strict selection was also made on the sorting table, in order to fill the tanks with only perfect grapes. 2014 represents to date the latest and longest harvest in the history of Masseto. Starting on 5th September and ending on 7th October.
The Wine Advocate
“This year represents the dawning of a new chapter in Masseto’s long history. As you can see in this report, Masseto is listed as its own winery outside the Tenuta dell’Ornellaia umbrella. I had also recorded the 2013 Masseto as its own brand. General Manager for both Masseto and Ornellaia, Alex Heinz explains that company insiders have long seen these as two distinct entities. In fact, Masseto is getting a dedicated winery to complete its independence.
The 2,000-square meter space should be operative in time for the 2018 harvest. Today, you see a large yellow crane hovering over an unfinished concrete floor plan. When the Masseto winery is completed, it will house the entire production process from grape reception to bottling. Even the library of old vintages will be housed here. Masseto is moving out on its own.” – Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
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