Masseto

Masseto is the estate behind Masseto Toscana IGT, a single-varietal Merlot from Bolgheri, sourced from a distinctive 7-hectare hillside vineyard with blue-grey clay soils.

Conceived in the 1980s by Lodovico Antinori as part of the Ornellaia project, Masseto released its first vintage in 1986. As recognition increased, a dedicated winery was established, affirming Masseto’s identity separate from Ornellaia.

The site’s clay-rich slope and coastal influence shape the wine’s character, while the small vineyard size keeps the focus on this singular parcel.

Masseto Toscana IGT draws interest for its specific geological origins and critical track record.

• Proven performance — Vintages such as 2006, 2015, and 2016 have received 100-point scores from publications like The Wine Advocate and James Suckling.
• Pomerol parallels — The vineyard’s rare blue-clay soils have led critics to draw comparisons with Bordeaux’s Château Pétrus.
• Terroir focus — The wine is shaped by a singular hillside parcel and coastal influence, differentiating it from broader regional blends.

• What is Masseto Toscana IGT made from?
  Masseto Toscana IGT is crafted from 100% Merlot, grown in Bolgheri, Tuscany.
• Who owns Masseto?
  Masseto is owned by the Frescobaldi family, a prominent name in the Italian wine industry.
• When was the first Masseto vintage released?
  The first vintage of Masseto was released in 1986, originally conceived by Lodovico Antinori as part of the Ornellaia project.
• How many bottles of Masseto are made each year?
  Approximately 30,000 bottles are produced annually.
• Where is Masseto located?
  In Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy, on the Tyrrhenian coast.
• How large is the vineyard and what are the soils?
  The core Masseto vineyard covers about 7 hectares on a hillside with distinctive blue-grey clay soils, which contribute to the wine’s structure and character.
• Is there a difference between Masseto and Massetino?
  Massetino is Masseto’s second wine, typically Merlot-led, made from lots not selected for Masseto and younger parcels, offering a more approachable style.