Wine Of The Day
Fattoria La Massa 2010
By: Mark C Lenzi CSW
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About Fattoria La Massa Vineyards
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Fattoria La Massa can be found hidden amongst the Chianti Classico hills of Panzano in the prestigious “Conca d’Oro,” (Golden Basin). It was acquired by its passionate owner, Giampaolo Motta, in 1992. Giampaolo, originally from Naples, came to the area in 1989 to follow his dream of making high quality wines. After working in some of the most famous Chianti Classico estates and spending time in Bordeaux, Giampaolo established La Massa with the technical consultation of famed enologist and friend Carlo Ferrini. Since the end 2008, he relies on the advice of renowned Stéphane Derenoncourt for the vineyards and cellar.
La Massa’s vineyards range in altitude from 315 to 460 meters (1,033 to 1,510 feet) above sea level, occupying an area of about 45 hectares (111 acres), of which 27 are planted with vines. As a result of a 10-year research project dedicated to understanding the distinct terroir of the area, a complete re-structuring of the vineyards has been carried out over the past few years, respecting the particular characteristics of the soil, geography and microclimate.
The estate’s main varieties are the classic Tuscan Sangiovese as well as varieties more typical of Bordeaux, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Giampaolo is passionate about the great wines of Bordeaux and is convinced of the magnificent potential that these varieties have in the terroir of La Massa. In fact, since the 2007 vintage, he has decided to eliminate Sangiovese completely from La Massa’s flagship Giorgio Primo IGT blend, resulting in a wine that more fully represents his personality.
La Massa produces two wines: La Massa IGT (predominantly Sangiovese, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and the winery’s first wine, Giorgio Primo IGT (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot). Driven by an unremitting pursuit of excellence, Giampaolo’s dedication and enthusiasm continues to be recognized worldwide, receiving accolades for his wines from the most important wine critics and publications.
Region:
Panzano in Chianti, Italy
Year Founded: 1992
Name Of Proprietor: Giampaolo Motta
Name Of Winemaker: Giampaolo Motta & Stephane Derenoncourt
Cultivated Area:
27 hectares (67 acres)
Topography: Hillside (vines, olive groves and forest)
Soil Type: Clay schist, calcareous marl, siliceous limestone, sandstone
Varieties Cultivated: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Find the winery on map:
Giampaolo Motta
Giampaolo Motta, born in 1964, changes his career to become a winemaker. He comes from Naples, where his parents run a furrier’s workshop. Yet Giampaolo Motta’s professional life does not lead him to the leather business, but to winemaking. While studying chemistry in France he discovers his love of Bordeaux. Back in Italy he takes on temporary jobs in top vineyards such as Riecine and Castello dei Rampolla. In 1992 he manages to buy an old vineyard directly next to Riecine with borrowed money: the vineyard La Massa which has been documented since the 15th century.
The vines of this property stand mainly in the “conca d’oro“, the „golden shell“ of Panzano, a southern vineyard which gets a lot of warmth and sun due to its conical shape. Motta begins to rebuild the vineyard to a top winery together with the star oenologist, Carlo Ferrini. To do this Motta plants the vines closer together, he plants new clones and experiments with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The very first bottling of the 1993 vintage Motta’s top cuvee “Giorgio Primo” (at the time a Chianti classic, today a Tuscany IGT, half Sangiovese, half Merlot and Cabernet) achieves the sought-after “three glasses” from the Italian wine guide “Gambero rosso”. The praise of the international press has not stopped ever since.
2008 Newcomer Of The Year Award Winner
Awards
The Wine
La Massa I.G.T. is a blend of 30% Merlot 60% Sangiovese (Chianti Grape) and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante.
14% Alcohol
3.63 pH
150,000 Bottles Produced ( 12,500 Cases )
Aged 10 Months In oak
Nice dark color
Strong red berry/cherry aroma and flavors
Slight earth on a long finish
750ml
1 @ $25.99
6 @ $23.39
12 @ $20.79
92 Points-Wine Advocate
The 2010 La Massa is gorgeous. Freshly cut flowers, mint and juicy red berries flow from this gracious, effortless wine. The 2010 impresses for its vibrancy, focus and purity. This is a great showing for the entry-level La Massa.