The 2023 Massetino is an attractive and expressive wine. Medium in body, the 2023 offers up an attractive mix of dark plum, mocha, new leather, cedar and espresso. Time in the glass brings out pretty floral and spice top notes. The oak and extraction feel just a bit pushed for the wine's mid-weight structure. The 2023 was done in a period of transition with technical teams and winemakers, and that is evident in this particular vintage.

The Masseto 2023 Massetino is a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc and confirms the growing confidence and individuality of this blend. The 2023 harvest was not easy because of mildew pressure. The Merlot was picked after periods of rain, with Cabernet Franc playing a compensating role, yet the result is very positive, offering bright spiciness and layered mineral tones of graphite smoke and crushed stone. Grown on a mix of blue clay and reddish marine-derived soils rich in fossils and sodium, the vineyards benefit from cool, water-retentive clays that help the vines cope with heat stress. Chalky notes add freshness on the finish, and the overall impression is one of depth, brightness and savory precision. Though often described as a "second wine" after Masseto, Massetino has achieved notable success by proving it has a distinct identity.

‘The idea of Massetino is to create a more approachable wine,’ states winemaker, Gaia Cinnirella. And combined with the plump juiciness and aromatic appeal of 2023, this is incredibly enticing. Ripe dark berry scents mingle with damp earth, Mediterranean scrub and chocolatey nuances. It has a steely energy, coiled and bright, its vertical structure padded out by generous juicy, creamy red and black berries, and supported by fine-grained tannins. It's a bold expression this year, with a slightly drying woody finish that should resolve with time in the bottles, but it's countered by freshness and a really lovely line of acidity which runs through the body. Delicious!

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91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc. A ‘challenging year’ with a very wet spring and rains again at the end of August. 100% destemmed. Malo and 12 months of ageing in barriques, 50% new, followed by blending and four months’ further ageing in concrete tank before bottling. Deeper than the Caiarossa 2022. Very fragrant and super-polished sweet tannins. Already a good drink. With only a little heat on the end. (JR)