La Massa 2012
“La Massa” represents the strong identity of the rugged Panzano elegantly dressed of our enological personality. The freshness and minerality of Sangiovese, expertly blended with the opulence and nobility of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, allow for this wine to convey our idea of joy and happiness.
THE 2012 VINTAGE
60% Sangiovese
20% Cabernet Sauvignon
20% Merlot e Alicante B.
The year 2012 was characterized by a balanced growing season. The winter and spring rainfall allowed for the accumulation of a good land water resource, permitting for regular plant growth, although the cooler spring temperatures caused a slight delay in the development. The good summer temperatures and dry climate allowed the plants to accelerate their metabolism and recuperate the earlier delay. Some rainfall in early September gave the vine plant the breathing space necessary to reach an optimal level of phenolic ripeness. During the harvest season there was very little rainfall, which allowed for a regular harvest in mid-September for Merlot and Alicante B., and one during the first half of October for Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2012 vintage produced around 110,000 bottles.
VINIFICATION
The year 2012 was the first vintage entirely vinified in the new cellar.
Although brief, the experience gained from the previous vintage allowed us to employ and carry out the vinification operations to our best capability. Spontaneous fermentations, punching down extractions, pumping with peristaltic pumps, rigorous temperature control and continuous tastings are the main operations that allowed us to best express the full potential of the harvested grapes. Successively, the wines were aged in French oak barrels, 20% of which were new, where they managed to embody and intensify the characteristic notes of the vintage and of our terroir.
Bottling took place in a single occasion commencing May 2014.
NOTES
RATINGS
Wine Spectator 89
Robert Parker 93
James Suckling 93
Vinous 89
Falstaff 91
