Le Macchiole, Paleo, Cabernet Franc, Tuscany, Italy 2015

“There is a gorgeous nuttiness to the 2015 Paleo. It is a highly aromatic expression of Cabernet Franc, with a bouquet of roses and some notes of red cherry. The vineyard team was careful in timing the harvest and fermentations to make sure the fruit did not come in too ripe and so they could maintain the natural freshness of the grapes. The oak used is moderately to highly toasted so they could get more of those nutty notes instead of the more common coffee or chocolate aromas we associate with barrique. It is aged for 22 months and the overall result is incredible.”-96WA, 2020-2040

Le Macchiole can best be defined as the “Boutique Bolgheri.” The winery is known for its spectacular single-varietal wines, and their signature grape varieties are Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc and work is always conducted with the priority being “the expression of the land.” The winery continues to evolve in both the vineyards and in the cellar to allow the soil characteristics from this estate property to be the defining identity in the wines.