In the glass: Massovivo – Vermentino, Tenuta Ammiraglia – Frescobaldi, 2024

Variety: 100% Vermentino
Vintage: 2024
Sugar content: dry
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Wine region: Tuscany
Wine district: Maremma
Cellar location: Montiano
Price: 12.90 Eur

The history of the Frescobaldi family spans more than 700 years. Initially, they were involved in banking and thus became one of the most important families that shaped the financial and political life of Florence.

In the Renaissance, they played a more prominent role in artistic activities, as they financed artists and some of the most important urban projects. In modern times, however, they are known primarily as one of the most important and renowned winemaking families in Tuscany.

They own ten estates, all of which are dedicated to producing wines of local character and style. One of these is Tenuta Ammiraglia, from which today’s recommendation originates. Tenuta Ammiraglia is the younger estate of the family and a true architectural gem. The entire cellar is dug into the hill, and the architectural design is reminiscent of the bow of a ship sailing through the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The conditions here are ideal for producing exceptional, refreshing wines characterised by minerality and primary bouquet. And that is precisely what Massovivo, a pure varietal Vermentino, named after the yellowish stones found in the vineyard, is.

In 2024, the Maremma vineyards experienced a mild winter and received just the right amount of rain, which provided the vines with sufficient water for a dry and hot summer. The summer was hot, with large temperature fluctuations between day and night, which provided the grapes with freshness and an aromatic charge. In August, some beneficial rain appeared, which calmed the concentrations and prepared the berries for an exceptional harvest.

The grapes were harvested in the morning and quickly transferred to the cellar. A gentle pressing of the whole bunches followed. This results in less liquid, but the must is much cleaner.

After stabilisation, it was transferred to stainless steel tanks and fermented at low temperatures. The wine matured for some time on its fine lees, which gave it a roundness and a sense of softness.

Massovivo is a crystal straw yellow colour. Its emphasised, elegant bouquet announces hints of white peach, yellow cherry, lychee, and lemon. Aromas of peach and almond blossom follow the fruity character, and everything is rounded off by a pleasant herbal perception reminiscent of thyme.

In the mouth, it feels rounded, the pronounced freshness pleasantly upgrades the soft side and almost salty minerality. The wine has an intense flavour, medium-full, but elegant, with long persistence, which primarily manifests in perceptions of fruitiness.

Massovivo is an excellent refreshment for this time of year. I prefer to enjoy it with milder dishes, such as langoustine tartare or raw gamberi. It will also be fantastic with some vegetable tempura.

The wine of the week is available at the online store Drinx.si.

This article was initially published at Ovinu.si wine portal.