Le Macchiole : Scrio 2012

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for Scrio 2012 from Le Macchiole

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep garnet hue with subtle brick-tinged nuances at the rim, reflecting the wine’s graceful evolution.

Nose

The nose reveals aromatic complexity marked by notes of ripe dark fruits, notably blackcurrant and blackberry. Aromas of leather and cedar add an extra dimension, alongside hints of spice and black pepper.

Palate

On the palate, this wine shows a full, generous structure with elegant, refined tannins. The palate unfolds flavors of dried blackberry, freshly ground black pepper, and anise. The remarkably long finish lingers with spicy notes of pepper and anise.

Food and wine pairings

This Scrio 2012 pairs perfectly with red meats and game, notably wild boar or venison prepared with mushroom sauces. It also matches very well with dark-meat poultry such as duck, elaborate terrines, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Scrio 2012 can be enjoyed now to appreciate its fully developed aromatic complexity.

An exceptional Syrah from Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast

The estate

Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole is among Bolgheri’s pioneering estates. After Eugenio’s untimely passing in 2002, Cinzia Merli took over the reins of the estate with remarkable determination. Today, she runs the domaine alongside her sons Elia and Mattia. Le Macchiole spans around 35 hectares of vines and stands out for its unique approach focused on single-varietal cuvées. The estate has practiced certified organic viticulture since 2002 and biodynamic farming since 2010.

The vineyard

The Scrio 2012 vineyard is located in Bolgheri, in Toscana, on the Etruscan Coast, just five kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea. This maritime proximity creates a Mediterranean climate characterized by moderate temperatures thanks to sea breezes. The soils are composed of clay and sand with an alkaline structure and a significant mineral component. The vineyard is managed with meticulous care, with around 850 hours of manual work per hectare each year.

The vintage

The year 2012 began with high temperatures and little rainfall in spring, creating initially worrying conditions. The estate team implemented preventive measures, including careful soil work and precise canopy management. From mid-August, the weather improved with cooling breezes and moderate rainfall, allowing excellent grape ripening. Harvest took place over forty-three days, enabling optimal plot selection. The Syrah for Scrio 2012 was harvested during the second week of September.

Winemaking and aging

Scrio 2012 was vinified in stainless-steel tanks with a twenty-day maceration, allowing controlled extraction of tannins and phenolic compounds. This IGT Toscana wine was then aged for twenty months in French oak barrels, with 75% new oak and 25% second-fill barrels. Bottling was carried out in August 2014.

Grape variety

100% Syrah