La Massa 2018
“La Massa” embodies the strong identity of the rugged territory of Panzano, elegantly dressed in our winemaking personality. The freshness and minerality of Sangiovese, skilfully blended with the opulence and nobility of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, allow this wine to convey our idea of joy and happiness.
THE 2018 VINTAGE
50% Sangiovese
35% Merlot
15% Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet
The 2018 vintage was marked by a regular winter, with temperatures below zero that encouraged proper vine dormancy. Spring saw a particularly rainy May, which helped the vines cope well with an unusually warm April. Summer was characterized by some rainfall in June and a significantly warmer July, although with good temperature variations between day and night. In mid-August, further rainfall allowed the vines to approach the veraison phase in optimal conditions. September and October brought excellent weather conditions, ideal for achieving perfect grape ripeness. The harvest began in the second half of September and ended in mid-October. The cool temperatures made it possible to extend the ripening period, thus preserving great finesse and aromatic freshness.
The 2018 vintage produced approximately 100,000 750 ml bottles.
WINEMAKING
Luck, but above all conscious choices, contributed to producing wines of great balance and excellent polyphenolic concentration. Among these were patience, waiting for perfect ripeness, the excellent combination of temperatures and rainfall, careful management of macerations, and the use of French oak barriques.
Ageing initially took place for approximately 10 months with the wine in contact with the fine lees, which were kept active through frequent bâtonnage.
The wine was bottled in a single batch starting from September 2020.
TASTING NOTES
La Massa 2018 shows an intense colour; on the nose, it is fresh and extraordinarily expressive. Blackberry jam, chocolate and crème de cassis come together in a deep, enveloping red wine. On the palate, it reveals good acidity, fine and well-polished tannins, a savoury note typical of our soils, and a pleasant persistence.
RATES
93 Robert Parker
93 James Suckling
93 Vinous
91 Falstaff
