Ornellaia Massetino 2023

Massetino is made by Tenuta dell'Ornellaia on the Bolgheri coast of Tuscany, in the Super Tuscan tradition of international grapes grown in a Mediterranean setting. The blend is led by Merlot with Cabernet Franc. Bolgheri sits close to the Tyrrhenian Sea on gravel and clay soils, and the maritime climate, with sea breezes and warm days, ripens these Bordeaux grapes fully while the sea air keeps the fruit fresh. Merlot on clay gives a plush, deep core, while Cabernet Franc adds structure and a savoury, herbal lift. The wine is aged in oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation and slow oxygen exchange through the wood build a fine grained tannin and add spice. The colour is deep, near opaque ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry with cocoa, cedar and a leafy Cabernet Franc note. The palate is full bodied and firmly structured, with dense fruit, velvety tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve it at 17 to 18 degrees in a large glass and decant an hour ahead. It is built for red meat and game.