2025 ColleMassari Vermentino DOC Melacce, Tuscany

ColleMassari sits in Montecucco, the rugged and wonderfully unspoilt corner of southern Tuscany between Montalcino and the Maremma coast. Founded by Claudio Tipa and his family, the organically farmed estate benefits from the cooling influence of Monte Amiata and Mediterranean breezes sweeping inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Melacce is their bright, breezy take on Vermentino, a variety perfectly suited to this sunlit coastal landscape.

The 2025 vintage gives Melacce plenty of youthful energy and aromatic lift. Warm Tuscan sunshine builds flavour, while altitude and cooling breezes help retain the crisp acidity that keeps Vermentino so refreshing. The region’s varied mineral soils add a subtle savoury edge, creating a white that feels Mediterranean without becoming broad or heavy.

Pale straw with green highlights, the nose opens with lemon, green pear and white peach alongside citrus blossom and fresh Mediterranean herbs. With air come hints of fennel, grapefruit peel and sea spray. The palate is crisp and juicy, with citrus and crunchy orchard fruit carried by lively acidity. A subtle salty texture runs through the middle before a dry, mouthwatering finish of lemon peel, fresh almond and wild herbs.

This is crying out for grilled sardines with lemon, spaghetti alle vongole, salt-and-pepper calamari, zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta or a big bowl of mussels with garlic and parsley. 

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030.