What kind of wine is Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto?
Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto is one of the most iconic red wines of Tuscan production. Hailing from vineyards located on the hills of Bolgheri, it is made from 100% Merlot grapes, carefully selected to best express the richness and complexity of the terroir. It is a full-bodied and enveloping wine, elegant yet with a remarkable structure, capable of evolving over time, delivering ever new and deeper sensations.Vintage details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by a warm and dry climate, which required great attention in vineyard management. Rains at the end of summer rebalanced the ripening of the grapes, allowing the Merlot to achieve a perfect balance between sugars, acidity, and polyphenols. The result is a powerful yet harmonious vintage, with extraordinary concentration and surprising freshness despite the challenging climatic conditions.Winemaking and aging
The winemaking of Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto involves fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures, followed by a maceration of approximately four weeks to extract aromas and structure. After racking, the wine matures for about 24 months in new French oak barriques, where it refines and achieves its complexity. A further period of aging in the bottle completes the process, making it ready to face many years of evolution.Tasting notes
The elegance and power of Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto emerge from the first glance and are confirmed on the nose and palate with a unique sensory progression.Color
Visually, it presents an intense and deep ruby red, with violet reflections that hint at the wine's youth and concentration.Nose
The bouquet is complex and layered: notes of ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and plum, alternate with elegant hints of dark chocolate, sweet spices, and balsamic touches. With aeration, nuances of tobacco and vanilla emerge, typical of great Merlots aged in wood.Palate
On the palate, it is intense, warm, and enveloping. The tannins (the substances that give a dry sensation) are silky and well-integrated, while the freshness provides balance and depth. The finish is long and refined, with a return of ripe fruit and spices.What dishes to pair with Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto
This wine pairs splendidly with structured and richly flavored dishes. To best enhance it, we recommend serving it with:- Grilled or roasted red meats
- Braised beef or wild boar stews
- Aged hard cheeses such as Tuscan Pecorino
- Dishes with mushrooms or truffles
Storage and aging: how to store Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto
To best preserve its evolutionary potential, Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto should be stored in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature of around 12-14°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should remain horizontal, so that the cork stays slightly moist. Thanks to its structure and the quality of the grapes, this red possesses an extraordinary aging capacity: it can evolve and improve in the bottle for over twenty years, developing increasingly complex and refined aromas.Masseto Estate
The story of Tenuta Masseto winery Tenuta Masseto is an icon in the Italian wine landscape, renowned for its tradition of winemaking excellence, built on heritage and constant innovation. Located in the heart of Tuscany, the estate boasts a history that intertwines ancient winemaking techniques w...
How to best open and serve Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto, it is important to position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows the natural sediment, typical of great aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing when opened.
If the wine has been stored horizontally, handle it gently and move it only as much as necessary.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
Temperature greatly influences the tasting experience. Masseto 2017 should be served at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C.
- If the wine is too cold, it develops less intense aromas.
- If it's too warm, the alcohol might be dominant.
To achieve the perfect temperature, leave the bottle at room temperature for about an hour before serving, or use a wine thermometer for greater precision.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever or double-bladed corkscrew to open the bottle gently. Remove the capsule below the neck ring, avoiding shaking the wine. Slowly insert the spiral into the center of the cork and proceed with caution.
If the cork should deteriorate, filter the wine during decanting to remove any residue.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, smell the cork: a fresh and complex aroma indicates good preservation. Pour a small amount of Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto into a tasting glass and taste it to check the quality. Any cork taint or oxidation notes indicate that the wine may not be in optimal condition.
5. Decanting and Aeration
Masseto 2017 is a structured and complex wine that greatly benefits from aeration. It is recommended to decant it before serving to enhance its aromas and soften the tannins.
- Use a wide-necked decanter to promote contact with air.
- Slowly pour the tilted bottle, keeping an eye on any sediment towards the end of the transfer.
- Leave the wine in the decanter for about 60-90 minutes before serving.
6. Serving
Serve Toscana Rosso IGT 'Masseto' 2017 - Tenuta Masseto in large "Bordeaux" type glasses, which allow the full olfactory intensity to be appreciated. Fill the glass no more than one-third of its capacity to allow for good aeration.
Pair the wine with structured dishes, such as red meats or aged cheeses, for a gastronomic pairing worthy of its elegance.
7. Storage After Opening
If the entire bottle is not consumed, re-seal it with an airtight stopper and store it in the refrigerator. Under these conditions, Masseto 2017 maintains its characteristics for 2-3 days.
Before any re-tasting, allow the wine to slowly return to serving temperature to best rediscover the aromas and complexity of this extraordinary Toscana Rosso IGT.