LE MACCHIOLE

Le Macchiole is a pioneering estate that has helped shape the story of Bolgheri. Founded in the early 1980s by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, the winery emerged from a shared vision: to produce exceptional wines in an uncharted corner of the Tuscan coast. Eugenio, born into a family rooted in hospitality, dreamt of making wines that would capture the character of Bolgheri’s unique terroir. With four hectares of vines, they planted early with Barbera and Sangiovese, but it wasn’t long before they discovered the incredible potential of international varieties like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon in this coastal zone.

Le Macchiole was the first estate in Tuscany to release a 100% Cabernet Franc wine – Paleo, now a true icon. Messorio, 100% Merlot, has earned acclaim as one of Italy’s greatest expressions of the grape. Scrio, their Syrah, has become a cult classic, and their Paleo Bianco and Bolgheri Rosso round out a portfolio defined by precision, balance, and a deep respect for the land.

Following Eugenio’s untimely passing, Cinzia, with the support of her sons Elia and Mattia, has continued the vision, leading Le Macchiole into the future with a commitment to organic viticulture and sustainability. Every decision, from the vineyards to the cellar, is made with a focus on quality and expression of place. Grapes are harvested by hand, sorted meticulously, and fermented in small lots. Ageing is tailored by cuvée—whether in French oak barrels, amphorae, or concrete vats.

Today, Le Macchiole farms 25 hectares of vineyards across the varied soils of Bolgheri, each parcel bringing its own nuance to the wines. The estate remains a benchmark for elegant, age-worthy wines that reflect both the boldness of its founders and the finesse of its terroir.