Castello ColleMassari

Brand Description

ColleMassari is the most important and largest estate of the Montecucco appellation. The vineyards are located on the Montecucco hill that gives name to the appellation. The vines on the Montecucco hill are the oldest Sangiovese vines of the DOCG (more than 60 years old).

Although it is a “new” DOCG, wine has been made in Montecucco since the time of the Etruscans in the 8th century. The wine making tradition is now continued by Maria Iris Bertarelli and Claudio Tipa, who purchased the vineyard in 1998 to be the heart of the Montecucco DOC that it was their vision to create. Montecucco is located between Montalcino, and Scansano, and benefits from microclimates similar to both of those regions. ColleMassari produced its first vintage in 2000.

Location of Vineyard

The Castello ColleMassari winery is located in Cinigiano in the foothills of Monte Amiata, about 1050ft above sea level. It is about 24 miles to the north-east of Grosseto in the DOC Montecucco, which is famous for its particularly favorable micro-climate. The Castello ColleMassari is not entirely a medieval castle. Its structure is more reminiscent of a fortified hamlet or even a grancia, a type of protected agricultural operation, founded by Cistercian Monks in the 8th century. During this era, they set up an agricultural system between Siena and the Maremma. The term massari, or massaro referred to a representative of an agricultural organization, an important part of which was the farmhouse, located in the center of the area.

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

Integrity, quality and teamwork are the values that are upheld by the Tipa Bertarelli Family.  They apply Italian passion and Swiss precision in crafting wines that represent top quality, history and identity of the region.  The winery practices sustainable and natural methods in full respect of Nature.  Their final pillar and belief is to protect and maintain the identity of Tuscany and its traditions.  While innovating in the vineyard and cellar, their wines always reflect the tradition of the region.

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Winery Profile
Owner: Tipa Bertarelli Family
Winemaker: Luca Marrone
Total acreage under vine: 285
Founded: 1998
Production: 468000
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Acclaim
“A fresh, simple red from Montecucco that shows light cherries and some pomegranates, geraniuns and potpourri. Crunchy and medium-bodied on the palate, with fresh red fruit and a chewy finish.” — acclaim for 2022 ColleMassari Rigoleto from James Suckling, Sep 2024
“Savory plums, wood spices, vanilla, chocolate waffles, dried oranges and cloves. Juicy and firm, with a medium body and some tight but round tannins. The long, linear finish is extended by the note of toast.” — acclaim for 2019 ColleMassari Poggio Lombrone from James Suckling, Sep 2024
“Fern and sage-like, restrained herbaceous character with Mirabelle fruit. Light body with crisp acidity and a silky texture. Savory, very well integrated and persistent. Very good quality/price ratio.” — acclaim for 2023 ColleMassari Melacce from James Suckling, Jul 2024
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