Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Le Macchiole
Label Name:
 
Messorio
Vintage:
 
2004
Country:
 
Italy
Region:
 
Bolgheri (Toscana IGT)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Wine Spectator — 100 pts (Oct 2007 review); The Wine Advocate (Robert Parker/Monica Larner) — 96 pts; Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 96 pts; multiple reviewers 94–97 pts; noted

Tasting Note
Concentrated dark-plum and black-cherry fruit with espresso, cocoa, licorice, mint and subtle black-olive notes; plush, full-bodied palate with refined, velvety tannins and a very long, savory finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, aged Pecorino or Parmigiano. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ short ribs, miso-glazed eggplant, braised beef with soy and star anise.

Production Method
Hand-harvested Merlot; sorted and destemmed, long maceration with pumping-over and punchdowns; partial fermentation in concrete/steel; aged ~16–20 months in French oak barriques.

Vineyard Info
Le Macchiole (founded 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli) is a Bolgheri estate known for single-varietal bottlings and high-density planting; estate parcels include Vignone, Puntone and Casa Nuova.