Dense ruby. Very intense nose with rich notes of blackberry and blueberry, followed by smoke and cinnamon. Round and full in approach and course, opens with a lot of fine-meshed tannin, supple, in the final firm drive.
95 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE
96 POINTS FALSTAFF
94 POINTS WINE SPECTATOR
93 POINTS R.VECCHIONE WINE CRITICS
A wine of texture and structure, the 2017 Messorio is deeply impressive. It is not simply that they have delivered a wine of substance and charm - so hard to find in a vintage plagued by heat spikes and drought. This is more than that, its a wine that transcends those issues its a truly sophisticated release and illustrates, in one sip, what great form this prized estate is on.
Messorio, first produced in 1994, was a personal challenge with one of the most planted varieties in Bolgheri, on the Tuscan coast, and in the world: Merlot. From the start, the idea was to transform the best bunches into an impactful wine with a lot of personality, staying as far away as possible from the more soft, predictable style that is often associated with Merlot and instead making a thoroughbred eager to win the race. The name "messorio" refers to the wheat harvest, one of the most fundamental parts of the agricultural cycle.
Le Macchiole was founded by local couple, restauranteurs Cinzia and Eugenio Campolmi in 1983. After Eugenio’s sudden death, the estate has been run by his wife Cinzia since 2002, and through sheer dedication, ambition and talent, she has brought the estate to be one of the most admired, respected and collectible of the region.
Their state-of-the-art cantina is located in the beating heart of Bolgheri, across the road from Ornellaia. They own 22 hectares; their original vineyards are some of the oldest in the region, adjoining the winery on the pianura (plain), which lies on diverse soils of clay, limestone and deep sand. Over the years, they have purchased the highly desirable high-side vineyards, which brings minerality and freshness to their complex, and increasingly famous mono-varietal blends.
Their organic and biodynamic management of the vineyards encourages biodiversity and incredible vine health and quality, resulting in highly expressive wines. Their careful selection of grape varieties, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, are cultivated according to micro-climate and soil. This means their varietals are some of the purest and most detailed in the region.
Considered experimentation in the winery has also enabled Le Macchiole to position their wines stylistically away from many of the full-bodied, international blends of the region. The use of steel, concrete and amphora all play an active part in their blends, supporting the use of French oak barrique and tonneau. There is a signature freshness and elegance across the range, richly fruity yet expressive and flavourful. These are some of the highest awarded, treasured, and collectible in the region. Yet their Bolgheri Rosso remains a fantastic-value choice, for both drinking and medium-term cellaring.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair with roast meats such as fillet beef or lamb. Also accompanies aged cheeses.
Maturation: Fermentation and maceration for 25 days in concrete. 18 months in new oak barriques. Bottling: August 19, 2019.
