Renzo Masi Chianti 2024

Founded in 1900, the Masi property, which also goes by the name Fattoria di Basciano, is run by the talented and renowned Paolo Masi . The estate includes 25 hectares of vines, 15 hectares of olive trees and vast expanses of woods inhabited by wild boars. Paolo vinifies his wines using grapes from the best regions of Chianti , mainly from the Rufina region. Rufina is the smallest sub-region of Chianti and much hillier and higher in altitude, reflecting cooler conditions which allow the grapes to ripen more slowly and therefore produce more balanced wines. The cuvée is composed of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino grape variety. We quickly distinguish pleasant aromas of red and black cherry , raspberry , plum , violet , vanilla , white pepper as well as some balsamic notes . The wine is consistent, well structured, with supple and harmonious tannins and counterbalanced by a beautiful acidity.

Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others...



But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion.



Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!