Le Macchiole
Le Macchiole Paleo
2016
Paleo is Le Macchiole's pioneering flagship, a pure Cabernet Franc from Bolgheri that redefined the potential of this grape on the Tuscan coast with its remarkable elegance and depth.
Country
Italy
Region
Tuscany - Bolgheri
More information
Producer
Le Macchiole is a defining estate within Bolgheri DOC and one of the most respected producers of single-varietal international wines in coastal Tuscany. Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli near the village of Bolgheri, the property has been guided by Cinzia Merli since Eugenio's death in 2002. The estate is distinguished by its commitment to monovarietal bottlings, meticulous site expression and wines of unusual refinement and depth.
Quick Facts
- Location: Bolgheri, Maremma coast, Tuscany, Italy
- Founded: 1983
- Founders: Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli
- Leadership: Cinzia Merli, since 2002
- Appellation: Bolgheri DOC
- Principal grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Estate vineyards: Approximately 24 hectares
- Soils: Clay, sand and gravel of alluvial and marine origin
- Signature wine: Paleo Rosso (100% Cabernet Franc)
- Flagship Merlot: Messorio
- Flagship Syrah: Scrio
- Style: Structured, aromatic and long-lived monovarietal expressions
- Viticulture: Low yields, careful parcel selection and sustainable practices
Pioneers of Monovarietal Bolgheri
When Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli planted their first vines in the early 1980s, Bolgheri remained an emerging viticultural zone largely defined by blends. Le Macchiole followed a different path. From 1989 onwards, the estate began bottling its wines as pure expressions of single varieties—an approach that was then uncommon in Tuscany and virtually unprecedented along the Maremma coast.
Paleo Rosso, initially a Sangiovese-dominated blend, became 100% Cabernet Franc with the 2001 vintage. Messorio has been produced entirely from Merlot since 1994, while Scrio, introduced with the 2000 vintage, is crafted solely from Syrah. This commitment to monovarietal precision allowed Le Macchiole to explore the distinctive potential of each variety within Bolgheri's maritime terroir.
The Coastal Vineyards of Bolgheri
Le Macchiole's vineyards occupy approximately 24 hectares on gently undulating terrain just a few kilometres from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The proximity to the Mediterranean moderates temperature extremes throughout the growing season and contributes a saline minerality to the wines.
Soils vary across the estate but are predominantly composed of clay, sand and gravel formed through ancient alluvial deposits and marine influences. These well-drained, mineral-rich substrates suit Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah particularly well, encouraging deep rooting and concentrated fruit while maintaining natural freshness.
The estate practices low-density planting with careful yield management and selective hand harvesting. Attention to canopy balance and parcel-specific ripening allows each variety to develop aromatic complexity and structural definition before picking.
Precision and Restraint in the Cellar
Winemaking at Le Macchiole reflects a philosophy of minimal intervention and patient maturation. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by extended maceration to extract colour, structure and fine-grained tannins without harshness.
Each wine is aged separately in French oak barriques, with new oak percentages adjusted according to the character of the vintage and variety. Paleo Rosso typically sees around 18 months in barrel, while Messorio and Scrio receive slightly longer élevage to integrate their more muscular structures.
The resulting wines combine aromatic purity with textural richness and a signature elegance. Paleo Rosso offers violet, red berry and graphite with refined tannins and remarkable persistence. Messorio delivers darker fruit, greater density and velvety depth. Scrio is marked by spice, blackberry and floral complexity with a savoury, mineral finish. All three are built for extended cellaring, typically reaching full expression after a decade or more in bottle.
Country
Region
Tuscany - Bolgheri
Bolgheri is widely regarded as one of Italy's most influential wine regions and the birthplace of the Super Tuscan movement that revolutionised Italian winemaking in the late 20th century. Located on the Tuscan coast in central Italy, Bolgheri broke from traditional Italian grape varieties and classifications to produce Bordeaux-inspired blends that achieved international acclaim and redefined what Italian fine wine could be. Today the region represents the benchmark for modern Italian winemaking and produces some of the country's most collectible bottles.
The region benefits from a distinctive maritime climate influenced by the Tyrrhenian Sea, which moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. Sandy clay and gravel soils provide ideal drainage and concentration for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, while coastal breezes preserve natural acidity and freshness. Granted DOC status in 1994, Bolgheri encompasses both varietal wines and blends, with the prestigious Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC established in 2013 exclusively for Tenuta San Guido's legendary Sassicaia—Italy's first internationally recognised Super Tuscan and the wine that inspired an entire movement.
Bolgheri is home to several iconic estates that have achieved global recognition. Tenuta San Guido produces the celebrated Sassicaia, while Ornellaia, Masseto, Le Macchiole, Grattamacco and Guado al Tasso continue to produce refined and powerful wines that command respect from collectors worldwide. These producers have elevated Bolgheri to a status that rivals Bordeaux's finest appellations and established the region as synonymous with exceptional quality and visionary winemaking.
Whether exploring legendary vintages, prestigious estates or benchmark Super Tuscan blends, Bolgheri offers an exceptional journey through one of Italy's most dynamic wine regions. Discover Bolgheri wines, compare prices from trusted merchants across Europe and find the best offers with Sipfind.
Grapes
Cabernet Franc is one of France’s most historic red wine grapes, valued for its aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity and ability to express both climate and soil with remarkable clarity. It produces elegant single-varietal wines and plays an essential role in some of Bordeaux’s most distinguished blends. Earlier ripening than Cabernet Sauvignon allows Cabernet Franc to perform particularly well in cooler wine regions.
In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc reaches its clearest expression as a varietal wine. Typical aromas include redcurrant, raspberry, red cherry and violet, often accompanied by graphite, dried herbs, tobacco and subtle peppery notes. Naturally fresh acidity and finely structured tannins can produce approachable, fruit-driven wines as well as complex examples capable of developing for many years.
The variety is especially important in Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny. Chinon can range from fragrant and supple to deeply structured and age-worthy, depending on vineyard site and soil. Bourgueil often combines dark red fruit with firm structure, while Saumur-Champigny is renowned for freshness, aromatic purity and refined texture. Limestone-rich tuffeau, gravel, sand and clay all contribute to the diversity of Cabernet Franc across these Loire appellations.
In Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is principally associated with the Right Bank, particularly Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Usually blended with Merlot and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, it contributes perfume, freshness, savoury complexity and structural precision. On suitable limestone and clay terroirs, Cabernet Franc can become a dominant component of exceptionally refined and long-lived wines.
Beyond France, Cabernet Franc is cultivated in regions including Tuscany, Bolgheri, Napa Valley, Washington State, Canada, Argentina and Chile, producing styles shaped by local climate and terroir. Traditionally known as Breton in the Loire and Bouchet in parts of Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc’s combination of aromatic elegance, freshness and ageing potential establishes it as one of the world’s great red wine varieties.
History and Style
Paleo is the flagship wine of Le Macchiole, one of Bolgheri's most innovative estates on Italy's Tuscan coast. First produced in 1989, this 100% Cabernet Franc monovarietal was revolutionary at the time, demonstrating that varieties beyond Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot could achieve greatness in this maritime Mediterranean climate. The wine takes its name from a wild strawberry that once grew in the vineyard, reflecting the estate's deep connection to its terroir.
Quick Facts
- Producer: Le Macchiole
- Classification: Bolgheri DOC
- Region: Tuscany
- Appellation: Bolgheri DOC
- Country: Italy
- Style: Full-bodied Tuscan red, monovarietal Cabernet Franc
- Grape Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc
- Ageing Potential: 15-25+ years from vintage
- Alcohol (ABV): 14-14.5%
- Tasting Profile: Red berries, wild strawberry, violets, graphite, herbs, fine tannins
- Food Pairing: Grilled meats, game, wild boar, aged Tuscan cheeses, mushroom dishes
- Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
- Bottle Status: Flagship
- Vintage: Vintage (varies by release)
Vineyard, Terroir and Style
Le Macchiole's vineyards benefit from Bolgheri's unique microclimate, where coastal breezes moderate temperatures and gravelly, alluvial soils provide excellent drainage. The estate, founded by Eugenio Campolmi and now led by his widow Cinzia Merli, has been at the forefront of Bolgheri's rise to international acclaim since the 1980s. Their commitment to single-varietal expressions has set them apart in a region known for Bordeaux-style blends.
History and Reputation
Paleo exhibits the elegance and aromatic complexity that Cabernet Franc can achieve in ideal conditions. The wine typically shows notes of red berries, violets, graphite, and herbs, with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Matured in French oak barriques, it balances power with refinement and develops beautifully over time.
Explore prices and availability for Paleo across premium wine merchants on Sipfind, and discover why this pioneering Tuscan wine continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.