In the glass
Aroma: black cherry, graphite, sweet pepper, violet
Palate: dark plum, iron, wild herbs, espresso
Pure Cabernet Franc Toscana IGT from Le Macchiole at Bolgheri (100% Cabernet Franc since the 2001 vintage).
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.
How to serve Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Rack of lamb with herbs, Bistecca alla fiorentina, Aged Pecorino with truffle honey. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
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.
- 1989 — First Paleo (originally Sangiovese-Cabernet)
- 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)
Frequently asked about Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso
What does Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso taste like?
On the nose, black cherry, graphite, sweet pepper, violet. On the palate, dark plum, iron, wild herbs, espresso. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Pure Cabernet Franc Toscana IGT from Le Macchiole at Bolgheri (100% Cabernet Franc since the 2001 vintage).
When should I drink Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso?
Drink 10 to 25 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso?
Rack of lamb with herbs is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Bistecca alla fiorentina and Aged Pecorino with truffle honey. Cabernet Franc's herbal lift echoes rosemary.
What grapes are in Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso?
The blend is Cabernet Franc (100%). The wine is classified as Toscana IGT.