2019 Bolgheri Rosso – Le Macchiole.

Bolgheri, one of Italy’s booming regions and home of the Super Tuscans. The Bolgheri DOC, along the Tuscan coast, is famous for red blends and in this review we are discussing one of those, produced by Le Macchiole. 

About the Winery 

Le Macchiole is founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and his wife Cinzia Merli. The winery owns 26 hectares of vineyards, split in 8 different sectors. They predominantly grow the famous Bordeaux varietals being: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot for red and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc for white. 

Being founded in the ‘80s they were part of the Super Tuscan revolution and to date they remain influential amongst names such as Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia) and Tenuta Ornellaia. They produce both blends as well as monocépage wines and where the first winery to release a Tuscan Cabernet Franc.

About the Wine 

This Bolgheri Rosso is first bottled in 2004. It is the purest expression of Bolgheri and a blend consisting of: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks, after which the wine ages for 10 months in used oak (80%) and concrete (20%). Due to the winemaking choices the wine retains a strong fruity character and freshness.

In the glass a clear ruby red colour, accompanied by a fruity nose (forest fruit, berries and raspberry) that mingles with fine spices and earthy notes. On the palette an elegant and refined wine that is easy to drink despite its relative high alcohol level of 14.5%. The aftertaste is smooth and guided by pleasant tannins that leave a subtle impression. A wine that is immediately drinkable, as a Rosso should, although it does benefit from some air to experience all its dimensions. 

Pleasant and affordable, a nice introduction to the Macchiole portfolio. 

Robert Parker score 93/100, James Suckling score 93/100 & Winespectator score 93/100.

This wine is available online at Best of Wines. You can find it through this link.

Price:                ~ €21

Taste date:      July 2022

Score:              92/100 DWA Score

Website:          Le Macchiole