La Massa Toscana 2019

La Massa Toscana 2019 is a Sangiovese-based Toscana IGT red wine from Panzano in Chianti, bottled at 14.0% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Independent awarded this vintage 96 points, underscoring its reputation as one of the most compelling values in the Super Tuscan category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.0%  |  Origin: Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy  |  Toscana IGT  |  Producer: Tenuta La Massa

Production & Heritage

Tenuta La Massa sits in Panzano in Chianti's prized Conca d'Oro amphitheater, one of the most celebrated vineyard sites in the Chianti Classico zone. The 2019 blend is 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, and 20% a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Alicante Bouschet — the last of which contributes unusual color density that Sangiovese alone cannot achieve. Vinification takes place primarily in stainless steel tanks with extended maceration lasting 30 to 32 days; roughly 20% of the total volume finishes in barrique. The estate follows what it calls "logical" agriculture: no artificial fertilizers, no herbicides, green manure cover crops, sexual confusion for pest control, indigenous yeasts for fermentation, and minimal sulfur additions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Smoke and bitter cherry lead into crushed flowers — rose and iris — layered with hints of mint, chalk, and cedar. With time in the glass, fragrant floral notes take over from initial oak impressions, revealing a complex, inviting bouquet.

Taste: The entry is round and smooth, carried by ripe red fruits and a thread of licorice. The mid-palate turns plush and slightly creamy, with light chocolate and spice accents building depth without weight. Intense acidity and fine-grained tannins keep the wine vibrant and forward-moving, while a lick of salinity adds a mineral counterpoint.

Finish: Medium-to-long, with savory berry character, cedar, and a subtle chalky minerality that lingers. The tannins remain polished through the close, leaving a clean and stylish impression.

How to Drink La Massa Toscana

This wine is at its best served at 16–18°C in a large-bowled glass, ideally with 30 minutes of air to let the florals fully emerge. It drinks beautifully on its own but also holds up in food-driven settings. A Negroni Sbagliato uses sparkling wine, but swapping in a splash of this Toscana IGT adds tannic structure and herbal depth. A Sangria Rossa benefits from the wine's ripe berry fruit and licorice notes, adding complexity without excess sweetness. For a simple aperitivo, a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) finds an unexpectedly refined partner in the wine's bright acidity and savory finish.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Super Tuscan wines without the ultra-premium price tag
• Pairing with a Sunday ragù or slow-braised meat dinner
• Gifting an Italian wine enthusiast exploring Panzano in Chianti producers
• Building a Tuscan cellar with critically acclaimed, age-worthy bottles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does La Massa Toscana taste like? The 2019 delivers round red fruits, licorice, and crushed flowers supported by fine tannins and bright acidity. Light chocolate, cedar, and a chalky mineral quality add depth to an overall elegant, medium-bodied profile.

How does La Massa Toscana compare to Antinori Tignanello? Both are Sangiovese-led Toscana IGTs blended with international varieties, and CellarTracker users frequently compare the two. La Massa positions at a significantly lower price tier while still earning high critical scores — Lisa Perrotti-Brown rated the 2019 at 96 points — making it a compelling alternative for drinkers drawn to the Super Tuscan style.

Is La Massa Toscana good for sipping neat? Yes — its fine tannin structure, bright acidity, and layered aromatics make it an engaging wine to drink on its own, especially after a brief decant to open the floral and spice notes.

Where is La Massa Toscana made? Tenuta La Massa is located in Panzano in Chianti, within the province of Florence in Tuscany, Italy. The estate farms vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, widely regarded as one of the finest growing sites in the Chianti Classico district.

What foods pair well with La Massa Toscana? Bistecca alla Fiorentina mirrors the wine's Tuscan roots and matches its tannin grip. Wild boar ragù with pappardelle complements the savory, spiced character. Aged Pecorino Toscano echoes the chalky minerality. Roasted lamb with rosemary plays well against the herbal and floral aromatics. Mushroom risotto aligns with the wine's earthy undertones and creamy mid-palate.

What sizes does La Massa Toscana come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle; magnum (1.5L) formats have appeared in select vintages but availability varies by market.

Is La Massa Toscana worth the price? La Massa Toscana positions as an entry-level Super Tuscan in price yet regularly scores at or above 90 points from respected critics, with the 2019 earning 96 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown — a score more commonly associated with wines several times its price tier.

Why La Massa Toscana?

The 2019 vintage represents a peak expression of Tenuta La Massa's philosophy: Sangiovese-driven Tuscan character amplified — not masked — by carefully chosen international varieties. The inclusion of Alicante Bouschet is a genuinely unusual choice that contributes color intensity and textural depth without compromising the freshness Sangiovese brings. Extended maceration and restrained oak use (just 20% barrique) keep the fruit and florals front and center. At 96 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown and a Wine-Searcher aggregate of 93, the 2019 is one of the strongest value propositions in the entire Toscana IGT category.