With the Chianti Classico Giorgio Primo 1997, La Massa created one of the defining Super Tuscans of its era. The vineyards lie in the Conca d'Oro amphitheatre of Panzano in the heart of Chianti Classico on calcareous galestro soils that lend the wines finesse, structure, and mineral tension. The warm, benchmark 1997 vintage yielded perfectly ripened grapes and endowed Giorgio Primo with extraordinary concentration without compromising its elegance. In its early vintages, the wine was still released under the Chianti Classico designation before later transitioning to Toscana IGT.  

The Giorgio Primo 1997 is crafted from a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, it unfolds a multi-layered bouquet of blackcurrants, ripe cherries, and plums, complemented by tobacco, cedarwood, graphite, and dark chocolate. With further aeration, balsamic notes, leather, Mediterranean herbs, and fine spices emerge, while the fruit remains remarkably vibrant even after decades in bottle.

On the palate, the wine unites the power of a great vintage with impressive harmony. Aged over many years, the tannins feel silky and finely woven, while lively acidity imparts freshness and precision. The dense yet elegant texture is carried by a fine mineral vein and culminates in a long finish with notes of dark berries, cocoa, warm spice, and graphite. Compared with many other Super Tuscans of its generation, the Giorgio Primo 1997 displays a remarkable balance between international polish and the authentic terroir expression of Panzano.

The signature of La Massa is unmistakable, uniting Tuscan origin with Bordeaux-inspired precision. Today, the Giorgio Primo 1997 rests on an outstanding plateau of maturity and ranks among the standout wines of this legendary vintage. Properly cellared bottles impress with great aromatic complexity and retain the substance to hold at a high level for years to come.