Le Macchiole is highly regarded in Tuscany as one of the pioneers of introducing international grape varietals to the region (first to plant Syrah, and first to produce a 100% Cabernet Franc label), and by extension, producing single-varietal wines with three notable lines - the 100% Cabernet Franc (Paleo), the 100% Syrah (Scrio), and then their flagship wine – the Messorio, which is 100% Merlot. They were also the first to practice high density planting and low yields per plant.

Before we get to reviewing today's Messorio 2013, let's take a closer look at Le Macchiole, the vineyard that helped usher in the Bolgheri acclaim that has today given us the Super Tuscans!

Today the vineyard is managed by Cinzia and her brother Massimo Merli.

It was 1983 and Eugenio Campolmi and his wife Cinzia Merli, two Bolgheri natives, had left their work at Eugenio's parents' retail business to start growing their own vines. At the time, Bolgheri was far from the incredible popularity it enjoys today - it was also a highly traditional area that was predominantly known for wheat farming. The couple would purchase just 4 hectares of land and started by growing all manners of international grape varietals that were not native to the region then - cabernet franc, merlot, syrah, amongst others. Their goal was to figure out what sort of varieties would grow best on their property.

With the help of oenologist Luca d'Attoma, this eventually became the vineyard's philosophy - to interpret Bolgheri through single-variety wines. At the time this was unheard of with most winemakers in Bolgheri focusing on making blends of various varieties.

Today Le Macchiole manages over 60 hectares of vineyards scattered across the Bolgheri and only uses its own plants, and has also gone organic since 2002.

In terroir terms, Bolgheri has an unusually high degree of variability, with 27 separate soil types, but typically consists of clay, sand, and is considerably alkaline.

Now back to Le Macchiole's flagship wine, the name "Messorio" itself is supposed to refer to the ancient Tuscan practice of harvesting wheat during the most important time of the year, thus underscoring the winery's deep connection to the Tuscan land. The grapes for this legendary Merlot come from two plots, Puntone and Vignone, planted in the late 1990s on distinctive soils rich in clay, silt, sandstone, and limestone.

Let's give the 2013 vintage a go!  

Le Macchiole, "Messorio" 2013 - Review

100% Merlot, Bolgheri in Tuscany, Toscana IGT Appellation, Soil: clay, silt, sandstone and limestone.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The aroma is dense and rather tightly wound initially, but slowly unfolds to an initial flintiness and bright acidity. Tart cherries and riper red fruits emerge, layered with deeper, earthy tobacco leaf notes and a subtle hint of barnyard funk. The overall impression is of a well-integrated and multi-dimensional bouquet.

Palate: Palate is medium-light bodied. It opens with sweet oakiness and well-developed tertiary notes from its extended aging. Generous raspberry jam flavours dominate, revealing a juicy richness alongside a mix of red berries, oak, subtle hay, and dried leaves. Noticeable tannins provide a pleasing tightness, creating a full-bodied and balanced experience. The wine gradually and pleasingly evolves, showcasing more tobacco character and hints of the herbal sweetness found in Nin Jiom Peh Pa Koa. The initial plushness and concentrated sweetness give way to a drier, slightly more austere profile with a boost in tannic structure.

Finish: The finish continues with the dryer side with heavier tannins and some spices. This dryness continues to find a counterpoint in the denser, richer fruit jam notes. Light notes of spice and a touch of chalk emerge on the lingering aftertaste.

My Thoughts

Le Macchiole's "Messorio" 2013 exemplifies the best qualities of Merlot – its plushness, full body, and intense richness. The palate is the star here, delivering big fruit jam flavors, a satisfying density, and a firm tannic structure that contrasts beautifully with the wine's initial sweetness. The finish is slightly more austere, with drying tannins – a thrilling tightrope walk with the dense fruit character that keeps everything in check. I particularly enjoyed the evolution from sweet and luscious to slightly dry and austere and the impressive array of tertiary notes that speak to the wine's age.

@CharsiuCharlie