Le Macchiole : Messorio 2011

The Power and Finesse of a Bolgheri Merlot by Le Macchiole

Now the flagship wine of the young estate of Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole founded in 1983 on the coast of Tuscany in Italy, Messorio 2011, produced under the IGT Toscana designation, is one of the select few Tuscan cult wines. Launched in 1994, Messorio was born of a desire to create a personal interpretation of Merlot, the most widely planted French grape variety in the Bolgheri vineyards. The result is a wine with an identity entirely its own and an inimitable style that elevates the expression of Merlot.

This rare wine takes its name “Messorio” from the Tuscan term that once referred to the ideal moment to harvest wheat. Messorio. It is therefore the story of a harvest carried out at exactly the right moment, with a grape variety renowned for its generosity and roundness, ideal in the blends of Bolgheri wines but difficult to elevate as a single varietal. Messorio Le Macchiole 2011 has succeeded in becoming one of Italy's most famous Merlots.

Power, harmony, elegance and purity are the words that come to mind to describe the style of Messorio 2011 Le Macchiole, from a 2011 vintage renowned for its exceptional quality in Tuscany. Highly intense, the aromatic palette opens with notes of red fruit, bitter cherry and liquorice, before evolving towards leathery, spicy and smoky notes reminiscent of toasted herbs. On the palate, the wine is vibrant, with delicious, rich fruit and a superb structure built on dense, very finely grained tannins. Powerful, complex and with remarkable length, Messorio 2011 Le Macchiole is a superb example of what the Bolgheri vineyards are capable of producing. Ready to enjoy now, this wine will evolve beautifully over time and reach its peak between 2020 and 2030.