The Robb Report included Le Macchiole Messorio Merlot 2016 in its compilation of “Best Spanish, Complex Blend, White Burgundy, Italian and Red Burgundy”. As BEST Italian, the author says “If one single wine can revive Merlot’s distressingly poor reputation in the minds of wine drinkers, it may be Le Macchiole’s 2016 Messorio from Bolgheri, the home of Super Tuscans. While many of her neighbors blend varieties native to Bordeaux to produce their iconic wines, Le Macchiole proprietor Cinzia Merli focuses on single-varietal expressions in her top-tier bottlings. Made with only Merlot, Messorio, first produced in 1994, was one of the earliest mono-varietal wines in this coastal Tuscan region. Partial fermentation in cement allows for a fuller expression of fruit, while aging for 19 months in lightly toasted oak adds structure to the Merlot, which has naturally softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. The result is a wine that shows refinement and restraint, with flavors of black cherry and dark plum and notes of roasted fennel bulb that coalesce in a graceful, lingering finish.”
Read the full story HERE
La Macchiole_Robb Report_6.15.22
Related Wines
Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards Classic Vintage Brut 2018
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
The flagship of the estate, this wine shows everything the family strives to accomplish. The quality and finesse strike memory bells that say “Champagne,” while the flavors are unmistakably Sonoma County, Russian River, Green Valley and most distinctly Iron Horse. Delightful and complex rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple aromas lead to an exquisitely balanced palate with flavors of ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut. The complexity of flavors and textures are perhaps only overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of enjoyment.
Related Producers
Iron Horse Vineyards
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Started in 1976 by Audrey and Barry Sterling, Iron Horse is a standout producer of Sparkling wine in America. Nestled in the cool microclimate of the Green Valley AVA, Iron Horse’s 300 acre estate is home to 164 acres of vineyard, split evenly between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The second generation, Joy Sterling and her brother Laurence, oversee the estate, and have dedicated their time and attention to improving vineyard practices, implementing regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and advocating for their community and the environment.
