Le Macchiole : Messorio 2022

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Messorio 2022 from Le Macchiole

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby-red hue, enhanced by subtle violet highlights.

Nose

The bouquet reveals a generous aromatic palette, interweaving notes of black cherries and ripe plums with hints of Mediterranean herbs, mocha, and delicate floral touches.

Palate

On the palate, the wine captivates with its generous, silky texture, offering a remarkable balance between structure and finesse. Aging in oak barrels brings elegance and aromatic complexity. The finish is long and exotic, unveiling vibrant spices and a subtle mineral freshness.

Food and wine pairings

This Messorio 2022 pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, feathered game, as well as aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate the Messorio 2022, it is recommended to decant it one hour before serving and serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

An exceptional Merlot from Tuscany by Le Macchiole

The estate

Founded in 1981 by Eugenio Campolmi in Bolgheri, Tuscany, Le Macchiole is among the pioneers of the “Super Tuscan” style in this emblematic region. Today, the estate is run by Cinzia Merli, the late founder’s wife, who passed away in 2002, assisted by oenologist Luca d’Attoma. The vineyard spans 35 hectares across 12 plots. Le Macchiole stands out for its bold specialization in single-varietal wines and its commitment to organic farming since 2002.

The vineyard

The Messorio 2022 comes from the Vignone plot, planted in 1999, and Ulivino, planted in 2016, located within the Toscana IGT appellation. The vines are trained using the Guyot system with a controlled yield of 900 grams per vine, ensuring optimal grape concentration. Harvest took place during the first week of September.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage in Tuscany has received exceptional reviews, with 97/100 from Robert Parker and Falstaff, as well as 95/100 from James Suckling and Wine Spectator. This vintage elegantly reflects the year’s characteristics and offers potential both for immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.

Winemaking and aging

Winemaking for the Messorio 2022 is carried out with fermentation and a 30-day maceration in concrete vats. Aging then takes place over 16 months, split between new oak barrels, truncated-cone foudres, and sandstone amphorae. Bottling took place on August 13, 2024.

Grape variety

100% Merlot