Le Macchiole : Scrio 2019

The Le Macchiole 2019 Scrio benefits from reductive winemaking designed to preserve the natural aromas and elegance of this versatile grape. It is fermented in stainless steel and cement and is partially aged in more oxygen-prone tonneaux. The rest goes into truncated cement vats and ceramic vessels. With Le Macchiole, you don’t get a flabby, over-extracted Syrah; instead, you get a polished and extremely elegant wine with a tight (trim but not lean) mouthfeel and beautifully integrated tannins. Only 3,800 bottles were made, and in case you were wondering, the suggested tasting order of Cinzia Merli’s three IGT wines is Paleo, Scrio, and then Messorio.

Expressive, this red features black cherry, blackberry, floral, mineral and toasted spice flavors. Dense, yet smooth in texture and balanced, with a lingering aftertaste that echoes the dark fruit and mineral flavors, along with a hint of licorice. Very pure and vibrant, this resonates on the long finish. Syrah. Drink now through 2035. 320 cases made, 35 cases imported.

For the last two or three harvests, Scrio has been lighter in style compared to the past. However, in the 2019 vintage this 100% Syrah regains an interesting balance. Crimson in the glass, it shines for its savoury, meaty character with a note reminiscent of olives, black and green pepper, then bright cassis definition on both nose and palate. Don't search for concentration here, but enjoy the light, silky palate with good overall balance and its savoury fruit finish.

Blackberry and black olive with black pepper and clove on the nose. Medium-bodied with round, creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Delicious fruit and texture. So enticing. Drink or hold.

Two parcels of Syrah, one 20 years old on sandy soil, one planted as bush vines at 240 m on rocky soil. Fermented in concrete and aged in a mix of old tonneaux, porcelain Clayver and ceramic amphorae. Vibrant dark-red fruit. More terroir than variety, though there's a light peppery note. Scented, slightly herbal but fully ripe. More obviously Syrah on the palate in the dry, firm tannins – more savoury. (JH)

The 2019 Scrio (Syrah) is a wine of remarkable precision that has little, if anything, in common with previous vintages. Understated and gracious, with compelling aromatic presence, the 2019 is all class, all refinement. Bright red-fleshed fruit, spice and subtle earthy notes open nicely. The 2019 is such a gorgeous wine done in a style that emphasizes freshness and a much more ethereal expression of Syrah than was the norm some years ago. I can’t wait to see how it ages. (Originally Published in March 2022)

This 2019 Scrio from Le Macchiole is another stunning example of a 100% Syrah from Tuscany. It is super-polished and precise in its expression of this variety, with both dark, woodland blackberry and sweet blackcurrant notes. The classic, cooler style of dark-berried fruit with leafy, iron-tinged elements is both complex and precise. On the palate, firm tannins are accompanied by vibrant acidity and a range of flavors from wild berries, smoke, iron, iodine, and black olive, all wrapped up in blackberry and cream. This wine has a very Northern Rhône feel to it, but this time transported into a warmer, sunnier environment. It’s as if a Syrah from Côte Rôtie has gone on holiday in the sun! Having tasted the last five vintages, this 2019 is the best so far. Drink 2025–2047.