Le Macchiole winery
Le Macchiole is a distinguished wine estate situated in the heart of Bolgheri, Tuscany, an area celebrated for its exceptional terroir and innovative spirit. Founded in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole emerged at a time when Bolgheri was still establishing its identity on the world wine map. The founders’ vision was to craft wines that reflected both the unique characteristics of Bolgheri and their own pursuit of excellence and originality. Over the decades, Le Macchiole has become synonymous with experimentation, precision, and a deep respect for the land.
The estate covers approximately 22 hectares of vineyards, planted predominantly with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties. Le Macchiole is particularly celebrated for its single-varietal expressions, a rarity in a region often dominated by Bordeaux-style blends. The estate’s approach is rooted in organic viticulture, with a strong commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention. Vineyard management emphasizes low yields, careful canopy management, and meticulous hand-harvesting, ensuring that only the best fruit reaches the cellar.
In the winery, Le Macchiole’s philosophy centers on allowing each grape variety and vineyard parcel to express its full potential. The winemaking process is characterized by gentle extraction, the use of both stainless steel and concrete for fermentation, and thoughtful aging in French oak barrels. The resulting wines are marked by purity, elegance, and a profound sense of place. Notably, Le Macchiole was among the first Bolgheri producers to champion single-varietal wines, with iconic labels such as Paleo (Cabernet Franc), Messorio (Merlot), and Scrio (Syrah) each achieving international acclaim for their depth, complexity, and longevity.
The estate’s flagship wine, Paleo, began as a Cabernet Sauvignon but transitioned to 100% Cabernet Franc in the 1990s, establishing a new benchmark for the variety in Italy. Messorio, a pure Merlot, showcases the grape’s plush texture and aromatic intensity, while Scrio, made entirely from Syrah, is known for its spicy character and refined structure. These wines are consistently sought after by collectors and connoisseurs, reflecting Le Macchiole’s dedication to quality and innovation.
Under the stewardship of Cinzia Merli, who has led the estate since Eugenio’s passing in 2002, Le Macchiole continues to evolve while staying true to its founding principles. The winery’s ongoing investments in vineyard research, clonal selection, and sustainable practices underscore its commitment to both tradition and progress. Le Macchiole’s portfolio also includes Bolgheri Rosso, a blend that captures the freshness and vibrancy of the region, making the estate’s wines accessible to a broader audience.
Today, Le Macchiole stands as a benchmark in Bolgheri, admired for its pioneering spirit, dedication to terroir-driven wines, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. The estate’s wines are distributed worldwide and grace the lists of top restaurants and collectors’ cellars, embodying the unique character of Bolgheri and the vision of its founders.