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Le Macchiole

Bolgheri Rosso 2016

Bolgheri Rosso DOC

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Bolgheri Rosso is a refined, irresistible blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, serving as an introduction to the estate. The wine is, frankly, almost too good at the price. All the intensive artisanal work that Le Macchiole carries out in its vineyards and cellars benefits this wine, and despite more availability than its Paleo Rosso, Messorio and Scrio siblings, it sells out nearly as quickly.

Bolgheri Rossi is also the youngest of Le Macchiole’s wines, first produced in 2004. The objective: to make a Bordeaux blend, but typical of Bolgheri.

VINEYARD

Bolgheri Rosso is sourced from two of the estate’s five vineyards: Puntone and Nuova Vignone.

WINEMAKING

The wine is fermented for 15 days in stainless steel tanks and then aged for 10 months in a combination of oak and concrete (80% in second and third passage barrique and 20% in concrete).

VINTAGE

2016 was definitely one of the smoothest years of the past decade. There were no extreme weather conditions, and rain seemed to fall when the vines most needed t. Even temperatures were optimal. Fruit growth proceeded regularly and in optimum conditions, providing excellent yield and perfect ripeness. Green harvesting was performed in late July at the beginning of the veraison process and in late August Le Macchiole began harvesting the white grapes and the first Merlot grapes for Bolgheri Rosso wine. Harvest extended into the month of September and ended in late September with the last Cabernet grapes.

TASTING NOTE

In keeping with the style of the 2015 vintage, but even more pleasantly drinkable. Intense fresh fruity notes on the nose and a slimmer texture, with firm yet very gentle tannins and an acid backbone that brings an amazing balance to the wine.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

Appellation

Bolgheri Rosso DOC

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$33.00

Reviews

91

"Lush and lively in the 2016 vintage"

Wine & Spirits Magazine - August 8, 2018 “Cinzia Merli’s introductory red is lush and lively in the 2016 vintage. Merlot plays the leading role in its fresh blueberry flavors and velvety texture, while smaller portions of cabernet sauvignon and franc firm up the structure and lend a touch of eucalyptus. It feels both playful and sophisticated, ready for a range of dishes."

92

"A deliciously spicy nose with black peppers:

James Suckling - September 11, 2018

"A deliciously spicy nose with black peppers, dried violets, hyacinth, citrus, blueberries and crushed stones. Full body, medium-chewy tannins, vibrant acidity and a succulent yet fine finish. Drink now. A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and syrah."

Trade Materials

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Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso Bottle Shot

Other Wines by this Producer

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Paleo Bianco

Bolgheri

First produced in 1991, Paleo Bianco is a silky, mineral-driven blend of Chardonnay (90%) and Sauvignon Blanc (10%). Perfect for pairing with seafood, this white is well suited to a medium to long aging in bottle.

Scrio

Toscana IGT

Scrio was born in 1994, out of Eugenio Campolmi's wish to produce a wine which would best express his vision of Syrah, his favorite grape variety. As all Le Macchiole wines, Scrio has an original personality and stands apart from Syrah grown in France or anywhere else - it is an extraordinarily compelling meld of deep and velvety Mediterranean fruit with cool climate aromatics and detail. Given the extremely limited production, Scrio is decidedly a hidden gem.

Paleo Rosso

Toscana IGT

Paleo Rosso has been called Italy's landmark expression of Cabernet Franc. This grape variety is growing internationally as a distinct bottling, but Bolgheri has proven to be the single best place in the world to do so. The Mediterranean climate and surroundings result in a wine of extraordinarily expressive, sensual, and textural fruits and savory spices.

Messorio

Toscana IGT

Messorio, a Merlot monovarietal, is the winery’s crown jewel. Its initial vintage was 1994, and since then it has received extraordinary acclaim, including a 100-point score from the Wine Spectator for the 2004 vintage. The name Messorio refers to the ancient Tuscan practice of wheat harvesting, the most important time of the year in the Bolgheri countryside - once it referred to wheat; these days, it is all about grape harvesting.