Le Macchiole

Le Macchiole has crafted single-variety wines from immaculate Tuscan vineyards since 1983. The estate began in a then-depleted Bolgheri district, but has become one of Italy's greatest Merlot and Cabernet Franc producers over the past 40 years. Led by Cinzia Merli and her two sons, Le Macchiole wine is a hidden gem from the Old World and an impeccable value-buy for discerning customers. 

Le Macchiole Wine History

In 1983, the young couple Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzie Merli founded Le Macchiole on a small, 4-acre vineyard. The pair left Eugenio's retail and restaurant family businesses to grow wheat, though they quickly realized the clay-loam and limestone soils were best suited for grapes. Hoping to capitalize on the growing Super Tuscan movement, Campolmi and Merli planted Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, releasing the inaugural 1989 Paleo Rosso vintage as a Bordeaux-style blend. Similarly, the 1994 vintage saw the introduction of two new wines— Messorio and Scrio. 

All three labels were Bordeaux blends; however, by 2001, Le Macchiole converted each wine into a single-variety bottle. Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso became a 100% Cabernet Franc, Le Macchiole Messorio became 100% Merlot, while Le Macchiole Scrio became 100% Syrah. Shortly after, Le Macchiole became one of Bolgheri's top producers, gaining international acclaim with the 2004 Le Macchiole Messorio, which was rated 100 points by Wine Spectator. In their 2007 review, the publication exclaimed, "Goes on for minutes. Leaves me speechless. This is soulful. A Tuscan cult wine you don't want to miss."

Furthermore, the flagship Paleo Rosso has been labeled "[Italy's] best 100% Cabernet Franc" by Decanter Magazine, illustrating Le Macchiole's dedication to winemaking excellence.

Le Macchiole Terroir

Le Macchiole is set on one of Tuscany's greatest terroirs in the prestigious Bolgheri district. The estate owns 86 acres of land across 12 vineyards and has organically farmed the land since 2002. Clay-loam and limestone soils dominate the land, and the nearby Etruscan Coast provides a dry, gently ventilated climate that is well-suited for the vines. The resulting fruit is elegant and perfect for creating aged wines. 

Le Macchiole Wine

Le Macchiole produces 5 wines each vintage, with the Messorio, Paleo Rosso, and Bolgheri Rosso being the three most celebrated wines. The former two are the estate's signature monovarietal wines, while the latter is the newest label, a Bordeaux-style blend. 

Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso

Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso was first introduced with the 2004 vintage, possessing grace and intensity without compromising structure and complexity. The bottles are made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah from four vineyards.

Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso

Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso is the estate's flagship wine, first produced as a Bordeaux blend in 1989 before converting to a 100% Cabernet Franc in the 2001 vintage. The bottle is sourced from the Vignone and Ulivino vineyards, two of the best in Bolgheri. Around 25,000 bottles are produced each vintage and has been called "the modern face of Bolgheri" by the Wine Advocate.

Le Macchiole Messorio

Le Macchiole Messorio was first released in the 1994 vintage and features 100% Merlot. It became the estate's first wine to be receive a 100-point score from a major publication and is consistently acclaimed for its soft, supple style.