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Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in the 1980s by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, Le Macchiole is a small Tuscan winery with about 25 hectares of organically farmed vineyards and a philosophy based on the exaltation of terroir and biodiversity. The company grows French varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah which have found their natural habitat in the Bolgheri area. Widely considered the highest expression of Cabernet Franc in Italy, Paleo represents the quintessence of Bolgheri and its astonishing terroir. In this area of Tuscany close to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Mediterranean climate and the peculiarity of the soils guarantee the production of expressive and structured wines, capable of evolving beautifully over time. The first harvest of this iconic wine dates back to 1989, when it was still a Bordeaux blend until it became pure Cabernet Franc in 2001. After manual harvest and vinification, the wine rests for 14 months in small French oak barrels. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense ruby color. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with fragrant notes of ripe red fruits followed by balsamic and spicy aromas and mineral nuances. On the palate it is a dynamic and powerful wine. It has a good structure and well-integrated tannins. It is fresh and savory, with a long and warm finish. Try it with game or mature cheeses.