Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso

Paleo Rosso arrived in 1989. It is the wine that has evolved well over time: born originally as a classic Bordeaux blend in 2001, eventually arriving as a 100% Cabernet Franc. This is a beautiful story of obstinacy in challenging the stereotype of Cabernet Franc, which is already difficult to produce, and even more so as a pure varietal wine. Today Paleo Rosso is a symbol of Bolgheri despite its distinct individualism and originality within the region; it is one of the most famous Italian Cabernet Franc wines in the world. The word Paleo is a common name referring to the “Festuca Pratensis “ of the family Gramineae, an herb spontaneously growing on the Tuscan coast. 97 points Antonio Galloni The 2010 Paleo Rosso (Cabernet Franc) marks a return to a much more varietally expressive style after the 2009. Dried herbs, mocha, wild flowers, plums and black cherries come together in an impeccable wine endowed with tremendous finesse. Clean veins of minerality give the wine much of its freshness and verve. The 2010 is one of the very finest Paleo Rossos I can remember tasting. It also seems pretty obvious Paleo is the most dramatically improved wine in Le Macchiole's range. The 2010 is delicious today, but it will be even better in a few years. (8/2013) 97 points Wine Enthusiast This extraordinary wine put Cabernet Franc on the map in Bolgheri. The 2010 reveals an exquisite bouquet of black currants, crushed blue flower, leather and baking spices. The smooth palate delivers mouthwatering blackberries, black cherry, white pepper, thyme and licorice alongside an age-worthy structure boasting firm but elegant tannins and fresh acidity. It’s already gorgeous with intriguing depth but it will age and develop beautifully. Drink 2015–2040. (4/2014) 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2010 Paleo Rosso is the most impressive wine of the tasting and easily cements this wine-s reputation as coastal Tuscany-s finest Cabernet Franc. The complexity is mesmerizing, as the wine playfully offers aromas of black fruit, salvia, rosemary, chocolate and spice in quick succession. It still tastes tight and nervous, so give it the time required to soften. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. (ML) (8/2013) 95 points James Suckling A solid wine with blueberry, blackberry, and wild cherry character. Full body, with chewy tannins. So much mineral, chalk, and cedar character with gorgeous fruit. Pure Cabernet Franc and proves how fabulous the grape type works in Bolgheri. Need two to four years of bottle age. (7/2013) 94 points Wine & Spirits With the gentle caress of Cabernet Franc, Paleo Rosso is the most elegant of Le Macchiole’s reds. Its scent of fresh currants layered with herbs follows a narrow path, a tight formation that drives through spicy cedar notes of wood aging and tannins as fruity and fragrant as blackberry seeds. The flavor is bright and remarkably long without any excess weight. (4/2014)