Le Macchiole Messorio
Le Macchiole Messorio – the top bottling from Le Macchiole, the Messorio is a 100% Merlot wine that is the 4th of 10 Italian Merlots I am trying out for Merlot month. We’re into the top guns now, yesterday we crowned Falesco’s Montiano as the best Italian Merlot outside of the traditional growing areas of Tuscany and Friuli and today we are looking at one of Tuscany’s finest. Along with the Redigaffi, the Messorio can claim to be the top Tuscan Merlot of each vintage, although grown in the same region from the same grape these wines have their differences and we shall be seeing which, from the 2001 vintage, was the best.So, a little bit about Le Macchiole. A relative newcomer to wine making, Le Macchiole began making wines in 1972 and have Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc under vine at their vineyards in the Super Tuscan region; Bolgheri. The wines of Le Macchiole have always been popular with critics and the sheer class of their wines can be derived from their studious attention to detail. Their philosophy, “one bottle per vine” illustrates what exceptionally low yield Le Macchiole enforce. The Merlot is not the only award winner at this vineyard but the Paleo (Bordeaux-esque blend) and Scrio (100% Syrah) are also international successes.
So, to the Messorio itself. 18 months in new oak, from very small yields this is as fine a Merlot as you can expect. So, did expectations and reality match up? Let’s see!
Le Macchiole Messorio 2001 – BUY – €169
Dark ruby red in the glass, good intensity. Delicious aromas of cherries, coffee, plums and smoke. Round and chewy tannins, very fruity with a smooth, gorgeous mouth-feel. Sumptuous wine, good structure and pleasant flavours. This wine needs a long time in the decanter. 95 Points
Where can i buy this wine?
Europeans – MTVWines – €169
Americans – Corporate Wines – $179 (Bargain)
Brits – Fine and Rare – £209 (Not a Bargain)
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Never tried this but tried other Le Macchiole wines. They are one of the most famous Italian wine makers.
Conservative scoring from Wine90! I would call this a 97 point, a great vintage.