Le Macchiole 'Paleo' Bolgheri 2018

Critical Acclaim: 97 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 95 pts Decanter. 

Tasting Notes: "You could argue that this wine changed Italian wine, because it was the first to fully embrace the potential of Cabernet Franc in the bel paese. The Le Macchiole 2018 Paleo has a spicy and tangy personality with dark fruit, bitter chocolate and tarry smoke. Coming back to my open bottle 24 hours later, I got some green olive and rosemary essence. The mouthfeel fleshes out considerably, and there is beautiful structure to hold it firmly together. Other vintners in Bolgheri have told me of their difficulties with Cabernet Franc in the 2018 vintage, which saw rain toward the end of the season. This wine feels magically immune to those issues and probably means that the expert vineyard team harvested at the right moment."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. 

"Since 2012 Paleo has been fermented in concrete tanks using selected yeast for almost 12 days, with temperatures held at 26°C - relatively cool for a red. It is then aged for 24 months in 100% new oak. Sometimes the use of second fill barrels is possible for the 25% of the wine, however all the time the toastiness of the barrels is long and light (very soft at the beginning then strong). The fresh 2018 vintage enhances the well known aromatic richness of this wine where the typical dried eucalyptus note is completed by menthol, vibrant clay minerality, leather and star anise. Elegant tannins and crisp acidity complete the picture."- Decanter. 

About the Wine: First produced in 1989, this incredible wine is the symbol of the winery, and it truly epitomizes Bolgheri. At first, the wine was a classic Bordeaux blend but became a Cabernet Franc monovarietal in 2001; since then, it has been a huge success. The name “paleo” refers to a wild herb found on the Tuscan coast, and it symbolizes a strong local identity and the will to reach all goals.

Varietal: Cabernet Franc.