Azienda Agricola Massussi Franciacorta:
A legacy of passion and excellence
Nestled in the heart of the Franciacorta region, Azienda Agricola Massussi is a small but mighty winery with a rich history that spans generations. Located at one of the highest points in the area, at 400 meters above sea level, the vineyards cover just under two hectares. This small-scale operation, dedicated to producing high-end Franciacorta sparkling wines, is a hidden gem that embodies the essence of terroir, where the land, climate, and human passion converge to create something truly exceptional.
At a glance
Region: Lombardia (Franciacorta)
Winemaker: Luigi Massussi
Known For: Crafting small-production Franciacorta that combines precision, elegance, and a profound sense of terroir
Wine Style: Refined, mineral-driven sparkling wines with freshness, complexity, and remarkable aging potential
Philosophy: Every vintage should reflect the unique character of the vineyard, the season, and the art of blending
Production: Boutique family estate with less than two hectares of vineyards at 400 meters above sea level in the heart of Franciacorta
Sustainability: Vineyard-focused farming and meticulous manual production, from harvest to hand riddling of every bottle
Imported by: Porcalorca
In the heart of Franciacorta, Luigi Massussi produces sparkling wines on a scale that is increasingly rare in Italy. Working with fewer than two hectares of high-altitude vineyards, he crafts wines that express both the precision of traditional-method sparkling winemaking and the character of his unique terroir. Guided by experience and an intimate knowledge of his vineyards, Luigi adapts every blend to the personality of the vintage, creating Franciacorta wines of elegance, depth, and individuality. The result is a collection of handcrafted sparkling wines that capture the essence of one of Italy's most celebrated sparkling wine regions.
A journey through time: From Ruggeri to Massussi
The story of Azienda Agricola Massussi began in 1985 when Giuseppina Ruggeri and her husband, Vittorio Massussi, established the winery with the invaluable support of Giuseppina’s father, Agostino. The initial years were shaped by hard work and a deep love for the land, which was passed down from generation to generation. The family’s passion for viticulture traces back to the late 19th century, when Vittorio’s great-grandfather, Luigi, was already making red wine in the region.
Originally named Ruggeri, after Giuseppina’s maiden name, the winery received significant national recognition in 2011, with features in prestigious guides like Veronelli and Slow Food. However, the similarity to the name of a well-known Prosecco producer led to confusion, prompting the family to rebrand as Massussi, honoring both the current family manager, Luigi Massussi, and his great-great-grandfather Luigi, who shared the same unwavering dedication to the craft.
The Winemaker: Luigi Massussi
Today, Luigi Massussi stands at the helm of the winery, carrying forward his family’s legacy with a singular focus on producing exceptional Franciacorta sparkling wines. His journey into winemaking was inspired by his ancestors, whose love for the land and the vine was deeply ingrained in him from a young age. Luigi’s approach to winemaking is both artisanal and innovative, reflecting a deep respect for tradition while embracing modern techniques that enhance the quality of his wines.
Luigi is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, particularly in his unique approach to blending. Each year, he carefully assembles his wines from various selections, interpreting the nuances of the season and the characteristics of his grapes. This method, driven by intuition and experience, allows him to craft wines that are a true expression of the terroir, with each vintage offering something new and exciting.
Marco’s personal notes
At Porcalorca, we proudly promote high-quality, small, and exclusive winemakers whose stories we love to share with our customers. When Jeanette and I met Luigi for the first time, we immediately realized he was the perfect winemaker who fit our philosophy, and we are proud to introduce his wine to our Danish customers.
Luigi Massussi is the smallest winemaker in Franciacorta, the renowned Italian excellence known for its sparkling wines. His vineyards are the highest in the area, covering only 1,5 hectares of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. Luigi assembles his wine differently each year, blending wines uniquely to best interpret the season based on his experience and deep understanding of his grapes (by the way, he was unaware that a famous Champagne house follows the same philosophy). He truly embodies what we call “terroir”: the union of human effort and passion, climate and soil conditions, traditions, and history of the region. Luigi speaks about how he crafts his wine, the challenges posed by climate change, his philosophy, and the characteristics of this terroir.
Luigi is deeply committed to the health of his vineyards, maintaining organic production certification until 2023, although in practice, his methods remain organic to this day. The soil and climate at this altitude allow for winemaking that requires no artificial interventions in the cellar, resulting in excellent acidity and minerality. Very little sugar is added in the wine, as Luigi aims to preserve the true character of his grapes without altering them. He uses indigenous yeasts in the fermentation of the base wine and neutral yeasts in the second fermentation, always staying true to his philosophy where the grapes themselves are the primary voice in the wine.
We are proud to exclusively present to our Danish wine lovers the finest expression of Luigi’s Franciacorta, the “Cuvée del Lago Millesimato 2018.”
Featured Product
CUVEÉ DEL LAGO 2018 - LOMBARDIA
Franciacorta DOCG Extra Brut "Cuvée del Lago" is a Millesimato 2018, crafted from a blend of 85% grapes harvested in 2018 and 15% reserve wine from 2017. Every year, according to the season and the evolution of the grapes, Luigi decides based on his experience and the knowledge of his vineyard and land, the percentage of the different grapes for the wine base ensuring a unique result that can change and surprise every year. This limited edition comprises only 3,489 bottles.
Grape variety
50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Blanc
Vineyards of origin
We select the ideal grapes for this wine from all the company's vineyards in the Località Bosine, exposed to excellent and constant ventilation that allows the perfect ripening of the bunches. The microclimate, influenced by Lake Iseo and temperature variations, enhances the freshness and aromatic complexity of the wines, making it ideal for producing traditional method sparkling wines.
Soil: The Località Bosine area in Franciacorta features well-drained morainic soils rich in minerals and clay, promoting balanced grape ripening.
Training system: Guyot.
Harvest: Manual, from high-altitude vineyards at 400 meters above sea level.
Vinification
This sparkling wine is made from selected grapes of the same vintage, with the addition of 15% reserve wine aged in French oak barrels. The wine is aged in the bottle for over 50 months on its lees. Remuage is done strictly by hand, resulting in a final pressure of 6.5 atm and a natural acidity of 8 g/l, expressed as tartaric acid.
Tasting Notes
Bright straw-yellow color with a very fine, persistent perlage. Subtle yet expertly integrated notes of wood and vanilla complement the nose, which reveals an elegant bouquet of brioche, pastry, and white flowers. On the palate, it is delicately fruity and harmonious, with remarkable persistence and pronounced freshness, supported by its notable natural acidity. Beneath the yeast-driven notes, a pleasant citrus hint of lime emerges, along with mineral nuances of chalk and rock salt. The finish is smooth, with an incredible almond persistence that invites another sip.
Pairing
The Cuvée del Lago 2018 is an exceptionally versatile wine, suited for a wide range of occasions, from appetizers to both simple and elaborate main courses. It pairs beautifully with raw fish, seafood pasta or risotto, fried fish, lake fish, and white meats. Surprisingly, it also complements red meats such as pork cheek or beef with oil, as well as aged cheeses. It’s a perfect match for the light, refined flavors of Nordic cuisine from Denmark.
Alcohol content and serving temperature
Alcohol: 12% Vol.
Serving Temperature: 8-10 °C.
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