La Massa Asiram Toscana 2021

La Massa’s site – set on a sloping valley, in a gorgeously picturesque backdrop of wild woodlands and rolling hills punctuated by the occasional vineyard – lies in the heart of Panzano, in Chianti Classico. This was the first region to have all of its myriad producers farm fully organic, a rather stunning achievement that really deserves more international attention. The quality of wines in this area is top notch, though the principal focus here is on Sangiovese, with a smattering of other local varieties. But Giampaulo specifically chose this site for the unique mixture of soils that would allow him to plant his favorite grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Verdot.

Doing so would set him at odds with the powers that be, namely the Chianti Classico Consorzio, and rapscallion that he is, Giampaulo gladly parted ways with them in 2002. A parting gift – of Chianti’s iconic black rooster, spit-roasted over an open flame – was added to the back of La Massa’s labels, and Giampaulo never looked back.

This 100-POINT Asiram Merlot is grown on the estate’s dark blue and olive-hued limestone-clay soils and produced only four barrels in the magnificent 2021 vintage. Falstaff says of it so eloquently: “Extremely polished on the palate, with beautiful freshness, clear fruit and velvety tannins, complex in texture without being ponderous, precise, long, a masterpiece!” And what a true statement that is. Juicy, plush blue and red fruits intermingle with dried herbs de Provence, blood orange, iron, and white pepper, giving this a euphoric and robust presence. This is a collectible, ultra-rare Tuscan gem that should be in any wine lover’s collection, and our price can’t be beat. Why not treat yourself?