Le Macchiole : Scrio 2019

Tasting notes and advice for Scrio 2019 from Le Macchiole

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows an intense, bright ruby-red color, lifted by a pronounced violet sheen.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, with notes of forest floor, pepper and subtle galangal, followed by nuances of plum and graphite. A hint of licorice enriches the bouquet, evoking the Syrahs of the Northern Rhône. The overall impression is discreet and graceful, with a captivating aromatic presence.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfolds flavors of black cherry and blackberry, complemented by floral, mineral and toasted spice notes. The tannins are fine and enveloping, layered at the core of the wine. The texture is medium-bodied, with round, creamy tannins leading into a juicy finish. The whole expresses polished, refined elegance, with a tight structure that is never austere and perfectly integrated tannins.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, especially beef and game. It also goes wonderfully with poultry prepared with rich sauces, duck and game birds, particularly when served with fruit-based accompaniments. Pasta with wild-meat ragù, herb-grilled lamb with Mediterranean herbs, and aged cured meats are also excellent choices. For cheese, opt for aged Italian hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano.

Serving and cellaring

Scrio 2019 is best served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting beforehand will allow the wine to fully express its aromatic range.

The elegance of a red wine from the prestigious Bolgheri region in Tuscany

The estate

Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole has established itself as one of Bolgheri’s most respected estates. After Eugenio’s untimely passing in 2002, Cinzia Merli took over the running of the property with determination, now supported by her sons Elia and Mattia. The estate spans around 35 hectares of vineyards spread across several plots. A pioneer of single-varietal expression in a region traditionally focused on blends, Le Macchiole has practiced organic farming since 2002 and adopted biodynamic methods from 2010, obtaining official organic certification starting with the 2024 vintage. The estate was named Winery of the Year by the Italian Sommelier Association in 2009 and by Wine & Spirits in 2008.

The vineyard

Scrio 2019 comes from three distinct plots: Puntone (planted in 1994), Vignone (planted in 1999) and Casavecchia (planted in 2016). These vines are located in Bolgheri, on the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany, between wooded hills and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The soils are primarily composed of a mix of clay, sand and gravel enriched with marine fossils, giving the wines a distinctive minerality. The Mediterranean climate benefits from maritime influence, which tempers summer heat thanks to sea breezes and promotes balanced ripening. High planting density and yields deliberately limited to 800 grams of grapes per vine ensure concentration and quality. All vineyard work is done by hand, representing around 850 hours of work per hectare each year.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage was marked by slow, very long ripening, without excessive heat spikes. Spring was changeable, with particularly cold conditions during the last two weeks of March, followed by a gradual rise in temperatures in April, encouraging slow, progressive budbreak. May brought cooler temperatures and substantial rainfall, slowing vegetative growth. In early June, warm, dry weather combined with the previous month’s abundant rains required targeted, repeated canopy-management interventions throughout the summer. Harvest took place during the last week of August and the first week of September.

Winemaking and aging

After hand-harvesting and rigorous berry selection, Scrio 2019 was vinified using a reductive approach designed to preserve the grape’s natural fragrances and elegance. Fermentation and maceration took place for around 20 days in concrete tanks and stoneware amphorae. This method helps minimize oxidation and retain volatile aromatic compounds. Aging then continued for 14 months in a combination of vessels including barrels, truncated-cone vats, ceramic containers and stoneware amphorae. This diversity of vessels exposes the wine to different oxygenation regimes while preserving its character and freshness.

Grape variety

100% Syrah