Le Macchiole is an estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany on the Etruscan Coast. Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolini and Cinzia Merli, the estate has 24 hectares of organically farmed vineyards producing 5 single-variety wines: Paleo Bianco, Bolgheri Rosso, Paleo Rosso, Scrio and Messorio. It was a risky decision to produce single-varietal wines when neighbors such as Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Guado al Tasso were achieving world-renown for their Super Tuscan Bordeaux blends. But with commitment and determination, they achieved the esteem and recognition deserving of the series of their stunning wines.

Sadly, Eugenio passed away and did not live to see the result of his work but his legacy is continued by his wife Cinzia who works devotedly in the vineyards to demonstrate the purity and unique interpretation of Le Macchiole wines.

Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso was first produced in 1989 and has evolved over time from a classic Bordeaux blend to a 100% varietal Cabernet Franc. This is a beautiful story of obstinacy in challenging the stereotype of Cabernet Franc, which is already difficult to produce, and even more so as a pure varietal wine. Today Paleo Rosso is one of the most individual and distinct, as well as one of the most famous, Cabernet Franc wines produced in Italy. The word Paleo is a common name referring to the “Festuca Pratensis“ of the family Gramineae, a wild herb which grows on the Tuscan coast.