Winemaker Notes
Messorio, a Merlot monovarietal, is the winery's crown jewel. Its initial vintage was 1994, and since then it has received extraordinary acclaim. 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.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Deep red with magenta highlights, the 2020 Messorio is the most complete of these wines aromatically on opening and seems to disprove the idea that Merlot is struggling in this region as climate change takes its hold. Luxurious and profound, it slowly reveals harmonious layers of polished leather, chocolate-covered cherry, Amarena cherry, rosemary, and crushed flowers. Full-bodied and impeccably well-detailed, it has mouthwatering mineral accents and fresh fruit through a long finish. This would be a great wine to include in a blind tasting with the great wines of Bordeaux. With undercurrents of black olive, dark obsidian-like earth, and a finish that lasts for ages, this profound and complex wine is going to be one to age for decades. Drink 2026-2050.
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Wine Enthusiast
A nose like a private library with old books on the shelves, dried lavender and violets on the desk, and sunbeams and damp air from outside streaming through the drapes, held at bay by a smoky warmth from the hearth. The palate delivers a riot of berries and chocolate and spices, with a salty astringency at the back. Tannins and acid that start quiet, and then rise up and roar.
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James Suckling
Intense aromas of sandalwood, lavender, crushed stone, ink pot and blue fruit follow through to a medium body, with lovely tannins and tension that add energy and vibe. Excellent freshness for 2020. Blackcurrants, black olives and violets in the aftertaste. Drink after 2027.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made with Merlot, the 2020 Messorio is a profound and richly textured wine that has become one of vintner Cinza Merli's flagships. Ripe fruit, dark cherry, oak spice and toast converge with balanced intensity to characterize this generous expression from Tuscany. The issue with Merlot, especially in a hot vintage such as this, is ripeness or, specifically, over-ripeness. Messorio navigates a challenging growing season with flying colors.
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Wine Spectator
Pure and elegant, with a core of blackberry, black cherry, violet, iron and oak spice flavors. Shows a solid spine of tannins that provide some backbone, while the velvety texture adds to this wine's overall gracefulness. Boasts excellent balance and length.
Long before it was fashionable, Eugenio Campolmi saw the potential of his homeland, buying his first vineyard in Bolgheri in 1975 baptised "Le Macchiole". In 1987, he hired famed oenologist Vittorio Fiore as a consultant before the later was joined by Luca d'Attoma for years later. In contrast to his renowned neighbors who focused on Bordeaux blends, Campolmi focused on achieving the purest expression of individual varieties, crafting distinct wines of unprecedented quality. Soon Le Macchiole joined Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Guado al Tasso as one of the most prestigious estates in Bolgheri. Following Eugenio's death in 2002, his wife Cinzia Merli, who shares her husband's passion, took over at the estate. Working with Luca D'Attoma, she has carried on her husband's legacy by continuing to make great Tuscan wines.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.