Le Macchiole
Messorio 2023
Toscana IGT
Messorio is Le Macchiole’s crown jewel and one of Italy’s most iconic Merlots. First produced in 1994, it marked a daring shift in Bolgheri, where blending was the norm and single-variety wines were nearly unheard of. That bold decision became a defining one. Messorio is soulful and expressive, with a texture like silk and layers of finesse that unfold slowly in the glass. The name refers to the wheat harvest, once the most important time of year in Bolgheri. Today, that honor goes to the grape harvest, especially when it yields a wine like this.
VINTAGE
The 2022 Bolgheri vintage began with a dry winter and cool spring, resulting in late bud break and low yields due to water stress. A 75-day drought impacted vine growth, but summer rains helped recovery. September's cool nights allowed the grapes to accumulate sugar, aromas, and tannins, leading to good ripening conditions. Despite the challenges, the vintage produced high-quality wines, with a balance of acidity and ripeness thanks to favorable harvest conditions and careful winemaking.
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Merlot
Appellation
Toscana IGT
Reviews
Wine Enthusiast -
Wine Advocate - February 5, 2026 "Made with 100% Merlot, the Le Macchiole 2023 Messorio comes from a 2.5-hectare parcel characterized by a mix of soils typical of Bolgheri. The bouquet is slightly more subdued compared to the usual intensity associated with this flagship wine, a result of a challenging growing season marked by late spring and early summer conditions along the Tuscan coast that increased mildew pressure and required strict selection, especially for early-ripening varieties like Merlot. Despite this, the 2023 remains spicy and intense, offering a direct expression with a slightly leaner mouthfeel. Produced in 9,200 bottles, this vintage presents a more restrained and focused interpretation of Messorio. Despite the challenges, Le Macchiole has done a great job."
Vinous - April 2, 2026 "The 2023 Messorio is soft, creamy and quite accessible. Blackberry, mocha, gravel, new leather, licorice, incense, espresso and a kiss of French oak are some of the notes that grace this wonderfully expressive, inviting edition of Le Macchiole's flagship Merlot. All of the elements are so nicely balanced."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Paleo Bianco
Bolgheri
First produced in 1991, Paleo Bianco is a silky, mineral-driven blend of Chardonnay (90%) and Sauvignon Blanc (10%). Perfect for pairing with seafood, this white is well suited to a medium to long aging in bottle.
Scrio
Toscana IGT
Scrio was born in 1994, out of Eugenio Campolmi's wish to produce a wine which would best express his vision of Syrah, his favorite grape variety. As all Le Macchiole wines, Scrio has an original personality and stands apart from Syrah grown in France or anywhere else - it is an extraordinarily compelling meld of deep and velvety Mediterranean fruit with cool climate aromatics and detail. Given the extremely limited production, Scrio is decidedly a hidden gem.
Bolgheri Rosso
Bolgheri
Bolgheri Rosso is a refined, irresistible blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, serving as an introduction to the estate. The wine is, frankly, almost too good at the price. All the intensive artisanal work that Le Macchiole carries out in its vineyards and cellars benefits this wine, and despite more availability than its Paleo Rosso, Messorio and Scrio siblings, it sells out nearly as quickly.
Paleo Rosso
Toscana IGT
Paleo Rosso has been called Italy's landmark expression of Cabernet Franc. This grape variety is growing internationally as a distinct bottling, but Bolgheri has proven to be the single best place in the world to do so. The Mediterranean climate and surroundings result in a wine of extraordinarily expressive, sensual, and textural fruits and savory spices.
