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
“Cherry stones, tomato leaves, sage and cracked pepper on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied, with nicely polished, fine-grained tannins and a tasty, peppery finish.”  — acclaim for 2018 ColleMassari Poggio Lombrone from James Suckling, Oct 2023
“This is citrusy and a little grassy with hints of guava, sliced apples and jasmine on offer. Medium-bodied with clean acidity and a sleek, polished texture. Very attractive and fresh.
— acclaim for 2022 ColleMassari Melacce from James Suckling, Aug 2023
“The nose is varied and savory, as the coffee and pencils of a morning meeting mix with the soy sauce from a takeaway lunch, before sour, fruity notes eventually emerge. Cherry highlights the palate, but a salty, earthy, slightly stony astringency preserves overall savoriness. Acidity shines around firm, grippy tannins.”– (Best Buy)
— acclaim for 2021 ColleMassari Rigoleto from Wine Enthusiast, Nov 2023
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