Le Macchiole
Paleo Rosso 2023
Toscana IGT
Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso is regarded as Italy’s defining expression of Cabernet Franc, a wine that showcases the grape’s potential in Bolgheri. The region’s Mediterranean climate yields a wine with deep, expressive fruits and savory spices, all with remarkable texture. Originally conceived as a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc, a standout vintage in 2000 prompted the decision to increase the percentage of Cabernet Franc, which brought freshness and acidity to the wine. By 2001, it was bottled as a single-varietal, becoming the first of its kind in Bolgheri and setting the standard for Italian Cabernet Franc.
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.
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Cabernet Franc
Appellation
Toscana IGT
Reviews
Wine Enthusiast -
Vinous - April 2, 2026 "The 2023 Paleo Rosso, 100% Cabernet Franc, is a total delight. Aromatic, pliant and wonderfully expressive, Paleo Rosso is without question one of the wines of the vintage on the Tuscan Coast. Mocha, dried flowers, mint, espresso and exotic plum all take shape in the glass. This is a stellar edition of Paleo Rosso."
Wine Advocate - February 5, 2026 "The Le Macchiole 2023 Paleo, one of Bolgheri’s earliest and most influential expressions of 100% Cabernet Franc, opened a new and now widely followed chapter for the variety in the appellation. The fruit comes from five hectares of vineyards characterized by a mix of clay, sand, silt and stones, contributing both structure and aromatic complexity. Fermentation and maceration last 30 days in cement, followed by 16 months of aging in a combination of new barrique, amphorae and casks, a regimen that builds depth while preserving precision. The wine is both spicy and fruity, showing exotic notes, cola and grilled herbs wrapped in dark fruit and blackcurrant."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
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.
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.
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.
