Le Macchiole

Overview

A beacon of fine wine production in Bolgheri, today recognized as one of Italy’s most important wine regions, the history of Le Macchiole began in 1983 when Eugenio Campolmi, a native Bolgherese, purchased his first vineyard. Together with his wife, Cinzia Merli, Eugenio began his pursuit, based on the philosophy of experimentation, planting many different varietals (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah…) to discover those best adapted to the microclimate and particular soil of this region along the Etruscan coast, nestled between the Bolgheri hills and the sea.

Beginning with just a few hectares, little by little the estate grew, the winery was built, and in 1991, winemaker Luca d’Attoma joined Le Macchiole, sharing a common goal: to produce an original, perhaps unexpected, wine capable of expressing and celebrating the characteristics of the territory. The winery focused on achieving the purest expression of individual varieties, such as Cabernet Franc and Syrah, atypical at the time in an area predominantly known for its Bordeaux style blends. With its distinct wines and unprecedented quality, Le Macchiole soon joined Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Guado al Tasso as one of the most prestigious estates in Bolgheri. Following Eugenio’s death in 2002, Cinzia took over the reins, moving forward with passion and dedication.

Working closely with a carefully selected team in the winery and the vineyards, Le Macchiole has always been at the forefront of innovation, applying methods including extremely low yields, high density planting, specially designed cement fermentation tanks in the cellar, and since 2002, the implementation of organic farming practices, with the sole objective of strengthening the vine. The winery continues to produce what are internationally recognized as some of Tuscany’s finest wines, confirmed by the numerous accolades received in Italy and abroad, including the Wine Spectator’s prestigious 100-point score a few years ago for the 2004 Messorio.

Today Le Macchiole produces 5 wines: Paleo Rosso (Cabernet Franc), Messorio (Merlot), Scrio (Syrah), Bolgheri Rosso (Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah) and Paleo Bianco (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc), each with its own personality, an expression of the soil and result of the respect given to the vineyard.

“It is essential to first find balance in the vineyard, only then can we find balance in the wine.”
– Cinzia Merli

Visit them on the web at http://www.lemacchiole.it/en/azienda.php

Cinzia Merli