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Le Macchiole

Messorio 2014

Toscana IGT

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Messorio, a Merlot monovarietal, is the winery’s crown jewel. Its initial vintage was 1994, and since then it has received extraordinary acclaim, including a 100-point score from the Wine Spectator for the 2004 vintage. The name Messorio refers to the ancient Tuscan practice of wheat harvesting, the most important time of the year in the Bolgheri countryside – once it referred to wheat; these days, it is all about grape harvesting.

VINEYARD

The fruit for Messorio was sourced from the Vignone estate parcel. Yields are managed tightly through the use of low vigor rootstocks and drastic thinning of clusters.

WINEMAKING

Messorio saw a 20-day fermentation maceration period in concrete and steel tanks. Aging lasted for 20 months in new oak barriques.

VINTAGE

There is no question that the 2014 was challenging for all Italian wineries and Bolgheri was no different: rainfall, changeable weather and constant lack of sun adversely affected the harvest like rarely before. It was a vintage that required hard work and commitment, allowing those who worked carefully, accurately and with passion to make the difference. At Le Macchiole, a lot of time and hard work was put into protecting the grapes through constant canopy management to lighten the foliage, and allow for more sunlight and warmth to receive the grapes. Despite the challenges, the winery is quite please with the results: grape yield was lower than usual, but fruit quality was amazing.

TASTING NOTE

A Merlot wine featuring good acidity and great aromatic freshness, as a result of light extraction and delicate maceration. Red fruity aromas and sweet spicy notes on the nose. Amazing on the palate owing to the freshness given by the great acidity and considerable savoriness counterbalanced by soft tannins.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Merlot

Appellation

Toscana IGT

Alcohol

14.5%

Reviews

93

"Chewy tannins and a flavorful finish"

James Suckling - August 9, 2018 “A little lean for Messorio but plenty of tobacco, cedar and berry character. Medium body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to come together.”

93

“Opens with delicate scents of thyme and lavender"

Wine & Spirits Magazine - August 9, 2018 “Opens with delicate scents of thyme and lavender that lead into flavors of dark plum and pomegranate infused with bright acidity and cool, polished tannins. Layers of dark chocolate and teriyaki emerge with time in the glass, along with a lightly bitter amaro note.”

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Le Macchiole Messorio Bottle Shot

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