Explore Bolgheri, a hidden gem in Tuscany famed for its innovative winemaking and luxurious full-bodied wines. Read more
Le Macchiole Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED ITALIAN WINERIES
Last updated: April 20, 2024
Winery Overview
A living legend, Le Macchiole is today recognized as one of Tuscany’s finest wine estates. Indeed, Le Macchiole is lauded as much for its wines’ consistency and quality as it is for opening doors and increasing the sex appeal of the once little-known Bolgheri region.
It began with a dream of one extraordinary couple – Eugenio Campolmi and his wife, Cinzia Merli. Living a comfortable life running Eugenio’s parents’ retail business, they longed to make wine in Tuscany and explored the region to discover the perfect site for their ambitions. In 1983, Eugenio and Cinzia came across a special piece of land in the then largely unheard-of Bolgheri region, just 5 miles from the coast. It was love at first sight – they planted several hectares of international varieties and produced their first vintage in 1987. Released in 1989, the inaugural Paleo Rosso received universal critical acclaim, validating the couple’s pioneering strategy of making varietal wines on the Bolgheri coastline. Critics praised the power, elegance, and remarkable concentration inherent to their wines, which have only improved since the initial releases.
Sadly, Eugenio died in 2002, leaving his widow Cinzia and her brother Massimo to continue his pioneering work and forge a legacy worthy of the family name. Understanding and enhancing their unique terroir has been the overriding aim, with a painstaking amount of work going into vineyard management and matching a particular variety of vine to a special place.
But, as anyone who has sampled these delicious wines will testify, the rewards have more than justified the team’s hard work. Today, Le Macchiole continues to make some of the region’s most outstanding wines, characterized by their balance, finesse, and intense aroma and complexity. Accessible on release, the wines will age gracefully for many years – just one of the many reasons why Cellar Tours has fallen madly in love with Le Macchiole and highly recommends the winery.
Wines produced
-
Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso
60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, before being aged in 20% concrete tanks and 80% French oak. -
Le Macchiole Messorio
100% Merlot. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks, before being aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak. Approachable on release, Messorio can be cellared for at least 15 years. -
Le Macchiole Scrio
100% Syrah. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks, before being aged for 20 months in 75% new French oak. -
Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso
100% Cabernet Franc. The wine is fermented in concrete tanks, before being aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak. -
Le Macchiole Paleo Bianco
A varying blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is fermented in French barriques for 10 days, before being aged in 30% new French oak for 7 months. A complex, structured white wine, perfect for seafood.
Winery Contact Details
Le Macchiole
Strada Provinciale 16B Bolgherese189/A - 57022 Castagneto Carducci (LI)
Italy
Email: [email protected]
Tel (+39) 0565 766092
Fax (+39) 0565 763240 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
DOC Bolgheri
Founded
1983
Area under Vine
27 hectares
Age of vines
30 years+ Low yields
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
Luca Rettondini
Owner
Cinzia Merl
Production
160,000 bottles per annum, depending on the vintage
Grape varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
-
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
Find out more -
Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties.
Find out more -
Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
Find out more -
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.
Find out more -
Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
Find out more -
Syrah
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
Find out more -
Sangiovese
Unearthing Sangiovese: Italy's Ancient Grape with a Complex History. Explore its journey from Etruscans to modern-day excellence.
Find out more
Winery Appellations
Author
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.
