🇮🇹 Masseto Toscana IGT 2002

🇮🇹 Masseto Toscana IGT 2002

The 2002 Masseto Toscana IGT stands as a testament to Italian winemaking excellence. Crafted exclusively from Merlot grapes in the esteemed Bolgheri region of Tuscany, this vintage showcases the harmonious blend of rich terroir and meticulous vinification. Despite a challenging growing season marked by a cool, wet summer, the 2002 Masseto emerged as a remarkable wine, defying expectations with its depth and complexity.

Critic Review & Score

"The 2002 is another eye-opening wine. The year is mostly remembered for its cool, wet summer and a number of dilute, uninteresting wines. Not here. The 2002 Masseto will go down as one of the handful of truly great wines made that year. I imagine in ten or twenty years it will be fascinating to taste alongside Miani’s Merlot, Soldera’s Brunello Riserva and Conterno’s Monfortino. There is no question the wine is in that league. Today the 2002 remains a baby, with tons of depth in its dark fruit. Hints of rose petal and spice develop in the glass, adding further complexity. There is plenty of structure underneath, suggesting the 2002 will be a very long-lived wine. Today, it is a knock-out." – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95+ points. 

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet reflections.
• Nose: Enticing aromas of dark berries, fresh herbs like basil, and floral hints.
  
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins, featuring flavors of black and blue fruits, licorice, and coffee bean notes.
  
• Finish: Long, caressing finish with lingering fresh acidity and a touch of spice.
  

The Story Behind the Wine

Masseto's journey began in the early 1980s when renowned oenologist André Tchelistcheff identified a unique 7-hectare plot in Bolgheri with exceptional potential for Merlot cultivation. This vineyard, characterized by its rich clay soils, became the foundation for Masseto. The inaugural vintage was released in 1986, and since then, Masseto has solidified its reputation as one of Italy's most prestigious wines. In 2019, Masseto unveiled its own dedicated winery, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the winemaking process while paying homage to the estate's heritage. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Steak & Red Meats: Complements grilled ribeye, filet mignon, or slow-braised short ribs, enhancing the rich flavors of the meat.
• Aged Cheeses: Pairs beautifully with aged Gouda or creamy blue cheese, balancing the wine's acidity and tannins.
• Vegetarian Options: Delicious alongside mushroom risotto or roasted eggplant with balsamic glaze, highlighting the earthy notes of the wine.

Wine Specifications

• Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot
• Alcohol Content: 14.5%
  
• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C (60-64°F)
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Appellation & Region: Toscana IGT, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Aging Potential: Enjoy now or cellar for an additional 10+ years

Indulge in the exceptional 2002 Masseto Toscana IGT and experience the pinnacle of Italian Merlot. Secure your bottle today and savor the rich heritage and unparalleled quality of this distinguished wine. Available now at Caná Wine Shop – enjoy free shipping on orders over $150.