Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso

In the glass

Aroma: black cherry, graphite, sweet pepper, violet

Palate: dark plum, iron, wild herbs, espresso

Italy's most celebrated pure Cabernet Franc Toscana IGT, from Le Macchiole at Bolgheri.

What it pairs with

• Rack of lamb with herbs
  Cabernet Franc's herbal lift echoes rosemary.
• Bistecca alla fiorentina Find bistecca alla fiorentina on TableJourney →
  Cabernet structure for a T-bone.
• Aged Pecorino with truffle honey
  Sweet umami amplifies the wine's spice.

History

Eugenio Campolmi reformulated Paleo as a pure Cabernet Franc starting 2001 (originally a Sangiovese-Cabernet blend from 1989). Cinzia Merli has continued the cuvee since Campolmi's death in 2002.

1. 1989 — First Paleo (originally Sangiovese-Cabernet)
2. 2001 — Reformulated to 100 percent Cabernet Franc

Facts

Producer

Le Macchiole

Grapes

Cabernet Franc (100%)

Classification

Toscana IGT

Oak

18 months in French oak barriques

ABV

14.5%

Price

EUR 120 to 200 at retail

Drinking window

10 to 25 from vintage

First vintage

1989

Scores

• Wine Advocate 96 (2015 vintage, reviewed 2019)
• Vinous 96 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)

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