The 15 acre Massa Vecchia farm is located in the upper Maremma in Tuscany, in the town of Massa Marittima, about one and a half hours drive from Siena. The farm was founded in 1985 by Fabrizio Niccolaini and his wife wife Patrizia Bartolini, when they took over his father's 'La Querciola' vineyard. In 2009 they passed the baton to their daughter Francesca, and along with three other partners, she has continued their work with the same devotion and energy. The wine production of comes from the roughly 7 acres under vines, and traditional methods are used in every step of the way, from the natural work in the vineyard and spontaneous fermentations taking place in large open chestnut vats. Finished wines rest in large neutral barrels (Berace for 12 months, Querciola for 24 months).
I just had the opportunity to taste the wines in this offer yesterday, and they are delicious reminders of how remarkable Sangiovese in its pure form can be. The 2015 /2014 new arrivals were on display, with the 2014 Querciola smartly coupled with its 2012 sibling for perspective. If you love Sangiovese, you know it takes a little time for tannins to calm down and integrate, yet the 2015 Berace drinks great now as the youthful, sturdy wine for braises and roasts, and I am certain it will be just settling into its own by the time the grills start getting dusted off and put to use in Spring time. 2014 Querciola was not surpisingly wound-up, with primary fruit and sturdy tannins, but having the mature and resolved 2012 by its side provided proof that it will evolve into a beauty. 2012 Querciola was a concerto of macerated cherries, old leather and meaty/mineral undertones keeping the wine savory and inviting.
Massa Vecchia's wines are old-school, rustic wines that reward patience. If you have a little space in your cellar, you're in for a treat!
- Bruno
*** Happy to Offer! ***
2015 Massa Vecchia “Berace” $32 bottle / $325 per case
2014 Massa Vecchia “La Querciola” $70 bottle / $357 per 6 pack
2012 Massa Vecchia “La Querciola” $70 bottle / $357 per 6 pack
* please keep in mind quantities are limited and we might not be able to fulfill all orders.
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