# Messorio (2020)

- **Producer:** Le Macchiole
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €200
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, ripe fruit, black plum, black cherry, raspberry, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, coffee, leather, forest floor, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Messorio is a single-varietal Merlot from the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, produced by Le Macchiole. The wine was conceived as a challenge to create a Merlot with significant character, diverging from softer styles. Le Macchiole, established in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, are pioneers of the Bolgheri appellation, known for their focus on single-varietal wines. Messorio is considered a benchmark for Merlot from this region. The 2020 vintage experienced warmer conditions, requiring a nuanced approach in the vineyard and cellar. The name 'Messorio' refers to the wheat harvest, a significant event in agricultural cycles.

## Interesting facts

- Messorio's name evokes the wheat harvest, a vital farming cycle.
- Le Macchiole is celebrated for its trio of single-varietal wines: Paleo, Messorio, and Scrio.
- The estate has been organically farmed since 2002.
- Messorio is considered Le Macchiole's flagship wine.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and robust structure are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes. Its acidity can cut through the richness of meats and sauces, while its tannins complement the protein, softening with each bite. Earthy notes in the food can echo the wine's complexity.

## Wine making process

The Merlot grapes for Messorio are harvested in September. Fermentation and maceration are conducted for 20 days in concrete tanks. The wine is then aged for 16 months, with a portion in new oak barrels and stoneware amphorae. Following this, it spends an additional 18 months in 100% French oak, with 75% of this being new barriques. Le Macchiole has practiced organic farming since 2002.