2020 Messorio, Le Macchiole, Tuscany, Italy
Critics reviews
The 2020 Messorio is fabulous. Once an opulent, full-throttle wine, Messorio has grown into a much more reserved Merlot these days. Tense with tons of energy, the 2020 appears to have a very bright future once it comes together a bit more fully. I very much admire the vibrancy here. The 2020 spent 18 months in 100% French oak, with 5% of the wine aged in amphora.
Drink 2027 - 2045
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (August 2023)
Intense aromas of sandalwood, lavender, crushed stone, ink pot, and blue fruit follow through to a medium body, with lovely tannins and tension that add energy and vibe. Excellent freshness for 2020. The aftertaste contains blackcurrants, black olives, and violets.
Drink after 2027
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (October 2023)
The Merlot harvest took place irregularly between the first and third weeks of September (interspersed with a few days of pause). Today, Messorio is aged for 16 months in both new French oak and gres amphora, following fermentation and maceration in concrete. Dark garnet in the glass, the wine packs an aromatic punch for its restrained cassis and leafy character contrasted with meaty darkness then underlying clayey minerality. The dense, viscous and velvety palate is balanced by chewy acidity, slightly grainy, youthful tannins and polished finish.
Drink 2023 - 2035
Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter.com (July 2023)
Deep red with magenta highlights, the 2020 Messorio is the most complete of these wines aromatically on opening and seems to disprove the idea that Merlot is struggling in this region as climate change takes its hold. Luxurious and profound, it slowly reveals harmonious layers of polished leather, chocolate-covered cherry, Amarena cherry, rosemary, and crushed flowers.
Full-bodied and impeccably well-detailed, it has mouthwatering mineral accents and fresh fruit through a long finish. This would be a great wine to include in a blind tasting with the great wines of Bordeaux. With undercurrents of black olive, dark obsidian-like earth, and a finish that lasts for ages, this profound and complex wine is going to be one to age for decades.
Drink 2026 - 2050
Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com (January 2024)
About this WINE
Le Macchiole
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.
IGT Tuscany
IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) Tuscany is a wine classification from Italy's Tuscany region. It is one of the official wine classifications recognized by the Italian government. IGT is a step below the highest classification, DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), and above the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) level.
The IGT classification was introduced in 1992 to allow winemakers more flexibility in grape varieties and employ winemaking techniques while still ensuring a certain level of quality and geographical indication. This classification gives winemakers more freedom to experiment and innovate, deviating from the strict regulations of the DOC and DOCG classifications.
IGT Tuscany wines can be produced throughout the entire region of Tuscany, encompassing various sub-regions and terroirs within the area. This classification allows winemakers to use traditional Tuscan grape varieties, such as Sangiovese, and non-traditional grape varieties, including international ones like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and others.
The IGT Tuscany classification gives winemakers the flexibility to create wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their specific vineyards and winemaking styles. It allows for experimentation with blending different grape varieties, using innovative winemaking techniques, and exploring new regional vineyard sites.
IGT Tuscany wines can vary greatly, from traditional and terroir-driven expressions to more modern and international styles. This classification has played a significant role in developing Super Tuscan wines, often IGT designated and known for their high quality and international recognition.
Overall, IGT Tuscany provides a platform for winemakers in the region to express their creativity and produce wines that reflect their unique vision while maintaining a connection to the rich heritage and traditions of winemaking in Tuscany.
Merlot
The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and a grape that has been on a relentless expansion drive throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils and is relatively simple to cultivate. It is a vigorous naturally high yielding grape that requires savage pruning - over-cropped Merlot-based wines are dilute and bland. It is also vital to pick at optimum ripeness as Merlot can quickly lose its varietal characteristics if harvested overripe.
In St.Emilion and Pomerol it withstands the moist clay rich soils far better than Cabernet grapes, and at it best produces opulently rich, plummy clarets with succulent fruitcake-like nuances. Le Pin, Pétrus and Clinet are examples of hedonistically rich Merlot wines at their very best. It also plays a key supporting role in filling out the middle palate of the Cabernet-dominated wines of the Médoc and Graves.
Merlot is now grown in virtually all wine growing countries and is particularly successful in California, Chile and Northern Italy.
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Description
Along with Masetto, this is Italy’s most famed Merlot. This is a top selection of Le Macchiole’s oldest vines, and underwent fermentation and maceration for 25 days in pyramid concrete tank. Maturation was 13-16 months in lightly toasted oak and amphorae. The nose is succulent and immediately pleasing, with aromas of both fresh and dried flowers, damson plums and sanguinello. The palate offers comfy richness, with deep fruit supported by sweet, peppery spices and cream. Yet, for all its opulence, there is a gravelly tension here, underpinned by vivid fruit and sapid length.
Drink 2025 - 2038
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