Italy · Tuscany

Le Macchiole

Le Macchiole is a leading Bolgheri producer and benchmark of the Super Tuscan movement, established by Eugenio Campolmi in 1983 on the Tuscan coast. After Campolmi's death in 2002, his wife Cinzia Merli took over the estate and has maintained its position at the absolute top of the Bolgheri hierarchy. The estate is remarkable for producing three single-variety wines from non-Sangiovese varieties rarely associated with Tuscany at the highest level: Messorio from 100% Merlot, Scrio from 100% Syrah, and Paleo Rosso — originally a Cabernet Franc-Sangiovese blend, converted to 100% Cabernet Franc from the 2001 vintage — each earning 96–100 points in top vintages. Messorio is arguably Italy's greatest Merlot, earning Parker 100 points for the 2000 and 2007 vintages, and trading at $200–400+ per bottle. Scrio holds the distinction of being Italy's finest Syrah. Paleo Rosso has become a benchmark Cabernet Franc expression. The portfolio's 588 lots average $160 per bottle, reflecting consistent top-tier critical scoring. The estate's Bolgheri Rosso (simply labelled Rosso) provides an accessible entry point. Production is intentionally small for each cuvée — typically 4,000–8,000 bottles of Messorio and Scrio — ensuring scarcity in the secondary market.