Le Macchiole Paleo Bolgheri 2021

Paleo Bolgheri 2021, the Cabernet Franc from Macchiole

There is a very Tuscan way in the Paleo of letting the Cabernet Franc speak plainly: ripe fruit, balsamic and spicy notes, then a freshness that keeps the tasting in motion. I recommend it to anyone who likes structured but nuanced reds, and to those who enjoy the personality of Bolgheri. The 2021 vintage is credited with an average score of 97/100 from the experts listed on its page.

Bolgheri, between maritime influences and terroir

Le Macchiole is an estate in Bolgheri, on the Tuscan coast close to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Founded in the 1980s by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, the property farms about 25 hectares of vineyards using organic farming. Its approach focuses on terroir and biodiversity. The Mediterranean climate and the particular soils of this region give rise to expressive, structured wines that are able to evolve over time.

The Paleo was created in 1989. Initially blended in a Bordeaux spirit, it became a pure Cabernet Franc starting in 2001: so this grape variety is what defines the 2021. After hand harvesting and vinification, the wine spends fourteen months in small French oak barrels. In the glass, the color is an intense ruby. The nose opens with ripe red fruit, then reveals balsamic and spicy notes, accompanied by mineral nuances. On the palate, the body is powerful and dynamic; the structure is assertive, the tannins well integrated. Freshness and savoriness balance the whole, while the finish lingers with a warm impression. The profile described is that of a broad wine, but one that does not rest solely on its power: its nuances and freshness also give it relief. You can drink it right now after letting it open up, or keep it in your cellar for up to twenty-five years. Half an hour of decanting is recommended.

At the table, with flavors of character

I would serve it with game, a pairing suggested to accompany its structure and aromatic expression, or with aged cheeses. In both cases, it's better to choose a dish with bold flavors, able to match the wine without overshadowing its notes of ripe fruit, spices and balsamic. For a more attentive tasting, open the bottle about thirty minutes before sitting down to eat: this airing time will help the bouquet unfold. You can also save the Paleo for a festive meal or an evening where you take the time to follow the wine, from the first nose to its long and warm finish. And if you prefer to observe its evolution, its aging potential allows you to consider another occasion in the years to come. It's a great way to explore the Cabernet Franc of Bolgheri, with a glass that combines intensity, freshness and the imprint of the terroir.