In 1983, founder Eugenio Campolmi purchased vineyards in Bolgheri with the aim of making wine on a recreational basis. However, his drive and passion soon transformed into a burgeoning desire to make wine on a grander scale.  He consulted with other area producers and ultimately decided to hire renowned enologist Luca d’Attoma.  Le Macchiole was born.

In 2002, Campolmi sadly passed away.  Today his wife, Cinzia Merli is the driving force behind the winery and her passion is to keep Campolmi’s dream alive.  With her skills as Managing Director, she enlisted her brother Massimo who tends the estates 5 vineyards with precision, commitment and skill.  Equally as important was her decision to retain d’Attoma, who has been with the company from the outset. 

The Le Macchiole Estate is comprised of five vineyard plots totaling a mere 22 hectares; about 54 acres.  The vineyards are some of the oldest in Bolgheri, surpassed only by Sassicaia. Today we’re spotlighting the 2010 Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso that comes from the largest vineyard on the estate;  the Vignone. 

We decanted the wine for 60 minutes and served it alongside grilled chicken with rosemary and marinated Tuscan white beans;  a recipe I “stole” from Dario Cecchini’s Officina! 

In the glass, the wine is a brilliant, shimmering purple with violet reflections. The aroma is persistent with spicy coffee  notes in the background and the foreground dominated by rich, ripe dark fruits with hints of sweet tobacco, vanilla and mint.  I love the way it smells.

In the mouth, the wine is rich, full bodied and elegant, with a generous core of black fruits accented by mineral, toasty cocoa and fresh herbs. The balance is lovely and the tannins perfectly integrated.  Outstanding quality for the price.  93 points, about $20-$25. 

~ Pre-dinner with a small wedge of Alta Badia Cheese from Alto Adige.  Bolgheri Rosso is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah and is the only blend Le Macchiole produces ~

Salute!

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