Posted By Joel on April 7, 2010

Fattoria La Massa “La Massa” 2007, Toscana IGT

Here’s a wine that I thoroughly enjoyed for its pinpoint balance and sensual mouth-feel. Moments that it took me to the edge of ripeness – but not beyond – were nothing short of orgasmic.

Meanwhile…as they say in the real estate biz: “…location, location, location”.

Fattoria La Massa is located in an area known as the “Conca d’Oro” or Golden Basin, an area ideally suited to the production of wine and part of Tuscany in Italy. The estate is comprised of 25 hectares of south facing vineyards on land which has produced wine since the 1500’s. Originally from Napoli, Giampaolo Motta took a pass on the family leather business and acquired the estate in the early ’90’s. He collaborates with consultant Carlo Ferrini to produce the estate’s wines.

Soil at Fattoria La Massa is generally of a clay marl type and altitudes range from approximately 315-460m. The 2007 vintage of La Massa (the wine) is made from 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for one year in a combination of new / used oak.

Tasting Notes:

A stunning dark ruby color, La Massa 2007 has an earthy, provocative perfume of black cherry, plum, warm spice and floral-herbaceous overtones of violet and rosemary. The plush, dense palate feels luxurious in the mouth, lots of velvety-intense fruit without a trace of over ripeness. A magnificently balanced wine, with fine, firm tannins and a smooth finish.

NOTE: decanted for 30 minutes.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

MEAT: grilled or roasted red meats, poultry and game are good pairings generally speaking, but especially recommend grilled steak or lamb seasoned only with olive oil, salt, and rosemary, perhaps a squeeze of lemon. PASTA / POLENTA: served with rich sausage ragu, maybe a touch of cream added; VEGETARIAN: thick slices of grilled bread topped with a meatless porcini mushroom / carmelized onion ragu; CHEESE: best with hard cheeses like aged pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano.

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Categories: $ (Under $25), $$ ($25-$50), Tuscany, Wine
Tags: Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese