“Paleo” Rosso Toscana IGT 2022

Az. Agr. Le Macchiole | Tuscany
Le Macchiole s.a. s.s. | Via Bolgherese 189a | IT 57022 Castagneto Carducci

09832222 · 0,75 l · 166,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Limitation of 6 articles per customer

It was Eugenio Campolmi who, in 1989, plucked up the courage to give his flagship the name of a wild herb that grows on the Tuscan coast. Eugenio Campolmi (†2002) was not originally from the world of wine. He came from a family of restaurateurs and was supposed to take over his parents' restaurant and trading business. Instead, he and his wife Cinzia Merli took a bold leap into the unknown in 1983. Paleo – a name that stands for unbending identity and the will to achieve any goal. What began as a classic Bordeaux blend found its true destiny in 2001: 100% Cabernet Franc, a revolution in the still young Bolgheri.

The full expressiveness of this grape variety is revealed in the glass: Intense aromas of cassis and graphite interweave with Mediterranean herbs, polished leather and a hint of fresh mint. 25 days of maceration in concrete tanks, followed by 16 months of ageing in new oak barrels, conical wooden containers and stoneware amphorae – each vessel contributes to the multi-layered texture. An impressive depth unfolds on the palate, focussed and rich in detail, carried by an energetic self-confidence that makes this wine stand out even in the illustrious company of Bolgheri. Paleo is more than just a wine – it is the embodiment of Tuscan boldness, a Cabernet Franc that speaks its own language, far removed from any French comparability. A monument to the terroir that needs time to unfold its full splendour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure Cabernet Franc from the vineyards of the Cinzia Merli estate, matured in wood and amphora: multi-faceted bouquet of berries, plums, spices and liquorice; elegant attack, fine-grained tannins, great length, mineral, elegant and long finish." Vinum

"Dark ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Very intense and inviting nose opens with notes of cigar box, lots of blueberry and blackberry, some smoke. Extremely juicy, present fruit on the palate, opens with grippy tannins in many layers, fine spice also on the palate, earthy final." Falstaff

"The Paleo Rosso 2022 is very energetic and complex. Flavours of Mediterranean scrub and dark berries are complemented by a hint of damp earth. Dense and structured with chalky tannins, its powerful, leafy black fruits are countered by good freshness and tangy red fruits. A certain saltiness emerges in the mid-palate, leading to a balanced finish with herbal notes. Delicious!" Decanter

"A spicy wine with aromas of dried leaves, eucalyptus, smoke, incense, cassis and blueberries. Firm tannins on the palate, full body, dusty texture, crisp acidity and a powerful finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Paleo screams Cabernet Franc character from the glass. Even in this warm, dry year, this coastal Cabernet Franc simply cannot be denied. Pomegranate, blood orange, cinnamon, new leather and incense saturate the palate. Firm but well-integrated tannins frame the whole thing in style. Medium-bodied in balance and completely sublime, Paleo is impeccably made." Vinous

"The second wine we tasted in our series of the big three from Le Macchiole is the 2022 Paleo. Indeed, this wine offers a greater overall impression with blackcurrants and blackberries. The fruit comes from one of the estate's oldest vineyards, planted in 1999. In addition to this vineyard, the fruit also comes from Vigna Vignone and, to a lesser extent, from a third vineyard with younger vines planted in 2016. Contact with the lees was avoided so as not to soften the wine, and the oak used is toasted rather longer and slower (within the parameters for medium toasting) to keep the fruit bright. The Paleo offers elegant, fine tannins and excellent length." Wine Advocate

"The nose is gently textured, with aromas of dried cherries, orange peel, taralli with anise seeds and tulips, while the palate is bolder, with flavors of cherries, chocolate, mint, fennel and licorice. The finish is a very chocolatey chocolate chip cookie, but also recalls those dried cherry notes from the nose." Wine Enthusiast