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Le Macchiole

Paleo Bianco 2022

Toscana IGT

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Le Macchiole Paleo Bianco, first produced in 1991 in small quantities for a local restaurant, is a sophisticated blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Initially dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, recent vintages have seen a shift towards more Chardonnay. This high-end Italian white wine is silky and mineral-driven, fermented in oak barrels of varying sizes, and aged for six months. The result is a vibrant, fresh wine with distinct Mediterranean character, offering a perfect balance of richness and brightness that reflects the terroir of Bolgheri.

VINEYARD

The natural fertility of the soil is mitigated by high-density plantings and weak rootstock, leading to a natural production of only 800-1000 grams of grapes per plant. All phases of work in the vineyard, from the pruning to harvest, are carried out by hand – a great deal of work, as each hectare of vineyard requires 850 hours of work every year.

WINEMAKING

Under the guidance of Luca Rettondini, work in the cellar is reduced to a minimum, while research is constant, from micro-vinifications per single vineyard to different vinification and aging methods.

VINTAGE

The 2022 Bolgheri vintage began with a dry winter and cool spring, resulting in late bud break and low yields due to water stress. A 75-day drought impacted vine growth, but summer rains helped recovery. September's cool nights allowed the grapes to accumulate sugar, aromas, and tannins, leading to good ripening conditions. Despite the challenges, the vintage produced high-quality wines, with a balance of acidity and ripeness thanks to favorable harvest conditions and careful winemaking.

TASTING NOTE

Deep aromas of lime and white flowers and a delicate spicy note reminiscent of almond and hazelnut.

Color

White

Blend %

70% Chardonnay, 30% Sauvignon Blanc

Appellation

Toscana IGT

Alcohol

13%

Suggested Retail Price

$119

Reviews

90

Vinous - December 10, 2024 "The 2022 Paleo Bianco (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc) is quite attractive. Hints of peach, tangerine oil and spice show the slightly exotic character of a warm, dry year, but without excess. I would open the Bianco in advance, as aeration is quite beneficial. Readers will find a rich white that can be enjoyed before a meal or at the dinner table."

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Le Macchiole Paleo Bianco Bottle Shot

Other Wines by this Producer

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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.

Bolgheri Rosso

Bolgheri

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.

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.