Le Macchiole goes back to the early 1980s, which puts it among the first wineries in Bolgheri. Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli founded it, and Cinzia runs it today with her sons Elia and Mattia.
The grapes come from 86 acres of vineyards chosen over the years in different corners of the appellation, all farmed organically. The plots are small, and each one brings something different to the wines.
The estate is known for reds made from a single grape. Paleo Rosso, first made in 1989, started as a Bordeaux blend and has been pure Cabernet Franc since 2001. Its name comes from a wild herb on the Tuscan coast. Messorio, first made in 1994, is Merlot. Scrio, from the same year, is Syrah, made in very small amounts.
Not tasted yet
I haven't reviewed a wine from Le Macchiole yet. They're on my Top 100 list, which is built from awards.