1 BOTTLE X 75cl

After a mild and rainy winter, March saw a temporary drop in temperatures with a few nights below 0°C right at the start of bud break in the last week of the month. the newly bloomed shoots were, however, still protected by the cottony tissue of the bud, which made it possible to avoid damage from frost.

The rest of the spring saw generally warm weather with normal rainfall, ensuring regular vegetative development until flowering which occurred between 2nd and 25th May

In June, a period of heavy rainfall towards the middle of the month was followed by a very long period of drought with a substantial absence of rain and scorching temperatures until the end of August. The veraison took place evenly and quickly between 2nd and 25th July, starting the ripening of the grapes under a blazing sun. At the end of August the rains arrived which led to a notable drop in temperatures, with night-time lows even reaching 13"C, ideal conditions for completing the maturation of the Merlo.

Their harvest took place early and quickly to preserve their freshness as much as possible and just in time to avoid an unexpected event

week-long heat wave, dee the thermometer registered up to 37 degrees. The Merlot harvest was completed on September 4th, followed almost immediately by the Cabernet Franc harvest, concluding the harvest on September 16th.

“In Masseto we try to limit what is more
our action on wine is possible.
Our goal is simple:
capture the spirit of nature
and bring it to its highest levels. "

“Masseto is an uncontaminated, harsh and primitive place. Not easy to work with. The conditions
they are extreme. We are always on the verge of getting a fantastic wine, but the result
it is not at all obvious. The risk of failure is always there. It is truly a magical place
where nature makes the most important decisions. "

Crucial for the yield of the vineyard are the Pliocene blue clays, present for millions of years just below the surface of the soil. Here once was a coastal swamp on which, over the centuries, clayey deposits rich in salt and traces of marine life have formed.

The erosion of the surrounding hills has brought layers of mud, gravel, sand and rock fragments. In later times, earthquakes folded these layers of soil, removing the blue clays from the sea and bringing them to the surface on the Masseto hill.

Thanks to their mineral structure, the clays are able to absorb a quantity of water equal to their weight. They nourish the roots of the vines, keeping them fresh and never completely dehydrated, even in the hottest summers. Together with the light coastal breezes, the Mediterranean sun and the light reflected from the sea, this type of soil gives the clusters the ideal conditions for a slow ripening of polyphenols.

"The heart of Masseto, its secret side,
it is a Mahler symphony played by an orchestra
full. Its outward appearance is a little
chamber music ensemble. It is the power
of that orchestra to request care and attention. "

Axel Heinz

Estate manager