Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia - Masseto 2017
In Bolgheri, on the Tuscan coast, Masseto occupies a unique terroir shaped by powerful blue clays that give Merlot an expression of exceptional depth. The vineyard, very limited in size, is divided into several sectors monitored separately according to their exposure, soil structure, and water behavior. This precise parceling allows for modulation of harvest dates and preservation of grape balance in particularly hot years. The 2017 vintage fits precisely into this context, with a dry and sunny season that required great mastery of ripeness. The water reserves of the clays then played a decisive role in maintaining a regular supply to the vine. The result is an intense and concentrated Masseto, but whose richness remains framed by a fresh and structured framework. This 2017 thus expresses a sunny facet of the estate, without losing the precision and depth that form its identity.
Masseto 2017 is made exclusively from Merlot. The different parcels are harvested separately then vinified independently to preserve the personality of each sector until the final blend. The grape selection is particularly strict, an essential element in a vintage marked by heat and concentration. Fermentations are conducted with precision to progressively build the matter without hardening the tannins. Aging continues in French oak barrels for an extended period, with lots remaining separate during the first phase before being blended and then refined together. This maturation allows the richness of the fruit and the structure of the vintage to be progressively integrated. The 2017 has remarkable density, but also a refined texture and sufficient freshness to support a long evolution in the bottle.
The color shows a very deep garnet hue, almost opaque at the core. The nose opens on blackberry, black plum, and ripe cherry, quickly accompanied by violet, cocoa, and licorice. Aeration gradually reveals nuances of tobacco, spices, cedar, and balsamic notes that add relief to the fruity register. The palate is ample and powerful, with generous matter supported by fine and perfectly ripe tannins. The sunny character of the vintage translates into great fruit richness, but the structure remains precise enough to maintain length. The finish is long, deep, and persistent, on black fruits, bitter chocolate, spices, and a mineral touch. Masseto 2017 will accompany a beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, roasted pigeon, rack of lamb, feathered game, or cuisine around black truffle.
Grape variety: 100% Merlot
