Castello ColleMassari

Brand Description

ColleMassari is the most important and largest estate of the Montecucco appellation. The vineyards are located on the Montecucco hill that gives name to the appellation. The vines on the Montecucco hill are the oldest Sangiovese vines of the DOCG (more than 60 years old).

Although it is a “new” DOCG, wine has been made in Montecucco since the time of the Etruscans in the 8th century. The wine making tradition is now continued by Maria Iris Bertarelli and Claudio Tipa, who purchased the vineyard in 1998 to be the heart of the Montecucco DOC that it was their vision to create. Montecucco is located between Montalcino, and Scansano, and benefits from microclimates similar to both of those regions. ColleMassari produced its first vintage in 2000.

Location of Vineyard

The Castello ColleMassari winery is located in Cinigiano in the foothills of Monte Amiata, about 1050ft above sea level. It is about 24 miles to the north-east of Grosseto in the DOC Montecucco, which is famous for its particularly favorable micro-climate. The Castello ColleMassari is not entirely a medieval castle. Its structure is more reminiscent of a fortified hamlet or even a grancia, a type of protected agricultural operation, founded by Cistercian Monks in the 8th century. During this era, they set up an agricultural system between Siena and the Maremma. The term massari, or massaro referred to a representative of an agricultural organization, an important part of which was the farmhouse, located in the center of the area.

Winemaking Philosophy

Integrity, quality and teamwork are the values that are upheld by the Tipa Bertarelli Family.  They apply Italian passion and Swiss precision in crafting wines that represent top quality, history and identity of the region.  The winery practices sustainable and natural methods in full respect of Nature.  Their final pillar and belief is to protect and maintain the identity of Tuscany and its traditions.  While innovating in the vineyard and cellar, their wines always reflect the tradition of the region.

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Winery Profile
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Acclaim
“The 2022 Montecucco Vermentino Melacce is airy and fresh, with zests of lime and sweet herbs complemented by hints of wet stone. This is round and soothing, with a core of zesty acidity and candied lime fruit that adds a spicy sensation toward the close. It finishes remarkably fresh and lifted with notes of mint and crunchy green apple. This is a total pleasure to taste.” — acclaim for 2022 ColleMassari Melacce from Vinous, Mar 2024
“The 2021 Montecucco Rosso Rigoleto is dark and spicy, with suggestions of clove and cinnamon givig way to rich cherry sauce and hints of sweet sage. This is silky in feel, with juicy acidity and ripe red fruits that flow effortlessly across the palate. It leaves a licorice tinge to linger under violet inner florals, finishing fresh, youthfully tense and with medium length.” — acclaim for 2021 ColleMassari Rigoleto from Vinous, Mar 2024
“The 2020 Montecucco Rosso Riserva lifts from the glass with a whiff of reduction that slowly blows off to reveal an herbal-tinged mix of wild strawberries, cedar and spice. This is rich and velvety, with masses of ripe red fruits and tactile mineral tones complicated by a note of sage. Brisk acidity maintains balance. It tapers off with a woody sensation, like a pine spice box, as hints of chalk dust and inner rose fade. The warmth of the vintage imparted a fleshy, nearly opulent character to the Rosso Riserva.” — acclaim for 2020 ColleMassari Montecucco Rosso Riserva from Vinous, Mar 2024
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