The nose is initially shy but eventually reveals aromas suggesting leather, cedar, Mediterranean brush and espresso. The firm, full-bodied palate shows the heat of the vintage, offering dried blackberry, roasted coffee bean, licorice and grilled sage. Compact, close-grained tannins grip the finish.
97+ POINTS WINE ADVOCATE
97 R. VECCHIONE WINE CRITICS
96 POINTS VINOUS
95 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING
First produced in 1989, this incredible wine is the symbol of the winery, and it truly epitomizes Bolgheri. At first, the wine was a classic Bordeaux blend but became a Cabernet Franc monovarietal in 2001; since then, it has been a huge success. The name “paleo” refers to a wild herb found on the Tuscan coast, and it symbolizes a strong local identity and the will to reach all goals.
Le Macchiole was founded by local couple, restauranteurs Cinzia and Eugenio Campolmi in 1983. After Eugenio’s sudden death, the estate has been run by his wife Cinzia since 2002, and through sheer dedication, ambition and talent, she has brought the estate to be one of the most admired, respected and collectible of the region.
Their state-of-the-art cantina is located in the beating heart of Bolgheri, across the road from Ornellaia. They own 22 hectares; their original vineyards are some of the oldest in the region, adjoining the winery on the pianura (plain), which lies on diverse soils of clay, limestone and deep sand. Over the years, they have purchased the highly desirable high-side vineyards, which brings minerality and freshness to their complex, and increasingly famous mono-varietal blends.
Their organic and biodynamic management of the vineyards encourages biodiversity and incredible vine health and quality, resulting in highly expressive wines. Their careful selection of grape varieties, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, are cultivated according to micro-climate and soil. This means their varietals are some of the purest and most detailed in the region.
Considered experimentation in the winery has also enabled Le Macchiole to position their wines stylistically away from many of the full-bodied, international blends of the region. The use of steel, concrete and amphora all play an active part in their blends, supporting the use of French oak barrique and tonneau. There is a signature freshness and elegance across the range, richly fruity yet expressive and flavourful. These are some of the highest awarded, treasured, and collectible in the region. Yet their Bolgheri Rosso remains a fantastic-value choice, for both drinking and medium-term cellaring.
Pairing Suggestions: Red meats particularly beef & venison
Maturation: 18 months in new oak barriques
