Masseto 2012

The 2012 Masseto benefited from another particularly dry, sunny year which thanks to the rains prior to the harvest, created perfect conditions for the ripening of the Merlot, without excessive heat or dryness and enhanced by the exceptional terroir of the Masseto vineyard.
The 2012 vintage combines the principal characteristics of a great Masseto: rich and generous but also very fresh and with a firm structure in a wine of great intensity and complexity. The colour is intense and dark, olfactory impact develops classic notes of red and black fruit, chocolate and liquorice, subtly enhanced by the toasting of the wood. The palate shows well-rounded and full, with a thick, dense tannic texture that boasts rich fruit and spice notes. The finish is prolonged with a lively and vibrant acid vein that closes on a note of intense freshness.

2012 was a dry growing year, like 2011, with the scarcity of water already evident during a cold, dry winter. At budbreak, which occurred normally, a water deficit of some 100mm, compared to the multi-year average, was already evident. A mild, sunny spring brought excellent vine growth, with a rapid, consistent flowering.
July and August were hot and almost rain-free, prompting fears of arrested ripening due to lack of water. In spite of this, veraison was normal and satisfactory under optimal conditions. A few spells of rain between the end of August and beginning of September gave final momentum to the ripening, and the fruit achieved fine overall ripeness, with optimal levels of aromatics and polyphenols. The harvest took place between 29 August and 17 September.