Le Macchiole is an estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany on the Etruscan Coast. Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolini and Cinzia Merli, the estate has 24 hectares of organically farmed vineyards producing 5 single-variety wines: Paleo Bianco, Bolgheri Rosso, Paleo Rosso, Scrio and Messorio. It was a risky decision to produce single-varietal wines when neighbors such as Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Guado al Tasso were achieving world-renown for their Super Tuscan Bordeaux blends. But with commitment and determination, they achieved the esteem and recognition deserving of the series of their stunning wines.

Sadly, Eugenio passed away and did not live to see the result of his work but his legacy is continued by his wife Cinzia who works devotedly in the vineyards to demonstrate the purity and unique interpretation of Le Macchiole wines.

Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso was first produced in 1989 and has evolved over time from a classic Bordeaux blend to a 100% varietal Cabernet Franc. This is a beautiful story of obstinacy in challenging the stereotype of Cabernet Franc, which is already difficult to produce, and even more so as a pure varietal wine. Today Paleo Rosso is one of the most individual and distinct, as well as one of the most famous, Cabernet Franc wines produced in Italy. The word Paleo is a common name referring to the “Festuca Pratensis“ of the family Gramineae, a wild herb which grows on the Tuscan coast.

The 2020 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso, a Cabernet Franc from Tuscany's Bolgheri region, showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of its producer, Le Macchiole. This varietal wine has received high praise from multiple reviewers, consistently scoring in the mid to high 90s.

Monica Larner from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates the wine a 96, calling it "one of Italy's best Cabernet Francs." She describes it as "very dense and richly concentrated," with a dark fruit profile that benefits from slow cellar aging. Larner notes that the wine's tannins and fruit ripeness are impressive, even at this early stage, and mentions flavors of "sweet cherry, exotic spice, and dark chocolate."

Vinous' Antonio Galloni gives the wine an outstanding score of 97, emphasizing its "classy, elegant, and wonderfully polished" nature. He highlights the contributions of "crushed flowers, spice, and blood orange," which add brightness to its mid-weight structure. Galloni also notes that the wine spent 18 months in 100% French oak, with 5% aged in amphora, suggesting that it will age well.

Audrey Frick from jebdunnuck.com awards the wine a 95, describing it as having a "saturated red color" and classic notes of "pencil shavings, toasted sage, cedar, and cassis." Frick also points out that while the wine's oak influence is noticeable, it will integrate better over time. She recommends drinking it between 2026 and 2046.

James Suckling echoes the sentiment with a 95 score, appreciating its "full-bodied, chewy and rich" profile, and intense tannins. He identifies flavors of "black berries, black olives, currants, and rosemary," and advises to drink after 2028 for the best experience.

Wine Spectator's BS provides a score of 94, noting the wine's "precise" nature, with "herb and bell pepper accents" complementing black currant and black olive flavors. The review underscores the wine's harmony and finesse, suggesting it will be best enjoyed from 2025 through 2040.

Danielle Callegari from Wine Enthusiast gives the highest score of 98, describing a "riot of pepper" on the nose, balanced by "raspberry jam and vanilla." She praises its "snappy, confident acidity" and a finish that ties "chili and chocolate" together, calling it "transcendent."

Finally, Susan Hulme from The Wine Independent also rates it 96, noting its "youthful exuberance and charm" with vivid cassis and black raspberry wrapped in creamy oak. Hulme mentions that 2020 was one of the hottest vintages, yet the wine retains "attractive drinkability and finesse."

Overall, the 2020 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso is a highly regarded wine, celebrated for its complexity, aging potential, and balanced structure.