The 2020 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso is one of Italy’s most iconic Cabernet Franc wines and a benchmark expression of Bolgheri’s world-class terroir. Originally conceived as a Bordeaux-style blend, Paleo evolved into a pure Cabernet Franc in the early 2000s and has since become one of the variety’s most celebrated expressions outside the Loire Valley. Produced from meticulously farmed estate vineyards near the Tuscan coast, the 2020 vintage combines remarkable concentration, freshness and elegance, reflecting both the exceptional site and Le Macchiole’s uncompromising pursuit of quality.
The nose is intensely complex, revealing blackcurrant, dark cherry and blackberry alongside notes of violet, graphite, tobacco leaf and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is powerful yet beautifully refined, with layers of dark fruit supported by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Hints of cocoa, cedar, liquorice and crushed stone add depth and sophistication, while the finish is long, seamless and extraordinarily persistent. Despite its richness and intensity, the wine retains remarkable precision and balance.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A world-class Cabernet Franc and one of Tuscany’s greatest modern wines. Complex, structured and exceptionally age-worthy, it pairs beautifully with beef fillet, venison, lamb, truffle dishes and aged hard cheeses. Decant for at least an hour if drinking now, or cellar through 2045–2055 as it develops extraordinary layers of savoury complexity, refinement and depth.
