There are wines that make you stop and look. Stop and think. Listen and ponder.

They are the “benchmark” wines of our time. They have something to say, and represent something bigger than the sum of their own parts. Often, they come with a name and a history that is noteworthy…..and a steep price tag. But the price tag doesn’t always have to be heartbreaking. This is the sweet spot that I always look for….

Enter this week’s wine…..

2019 Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso

This week’s wine comes from the world famous region of Tuscany. It is a land that many of us dream of and for good reason. However with no shortage of wines on offer, it takes something special to sit up and really notice a Tuscan wine. This wine has got that “it” factor. Read on to learn what you need to know about this week’s wine.

What does this wine cost?

$37.95 CAD.

Where does this wine come from?

This wine comes from the Bolgheri, a relatively new but very storied designated appellation located along the western coast of Italy, facing the Tyrrhenian sea in the province of Livorno within the region of Tuscany.

Since the 1970s, Bolgheri has commanded attention on the world stage. This is where some huge names in the wine world come from - names like Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Marchesi Antinori. It is a relatively small area that is known for its proximity to the sea, its landscape of beaches, pine forests, plains and rolling hills and its affinity for producing deep and satisfying wines from Bordeaux grapes.

More about the Bolgheri DOC

The Bolgheri DOC is the entry level appellation in this area. It has grown tremendously in popularity, renown and volume of wine produced since its official establishment as a DOC in the 1990s. To be clear, wine has been made here for much longer. However, for much of the recent past, the wine from Bolgheri was certainly not considered to be world class; Sassicaia changed this in the 1970s.

One of the key monikers of the Bolgheri DOC is the grapes that are permitted to be utilized in the production of these wines, including the specific percentages that may make up a blend.

Specifically, Bolgheri DOC wines may be made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot. They may also be made from a blend of one or more of these varieties, and/or up to 50 percent of Syrah or Sangiovese. “Other” red grapes (for example, Petit Verdot) may account for up to 30 percent of the final blend.

It’s worth noting that wines made from grape varieties that are not permitted by the DOC regulations - or made vis-a-vis different blend percentages than what is permitted - are not able to take on the Bolgheri DOC title and are instead classified as IGTs.

Why is this wine unique?

It is an affordable Bordeaux blend from a venerable wine region, at a very affordable price. It is also made by a winery that has been twice been named “Winery of the Year” by two different organizations and has also produced multiple “100-point” wines.

Who makes this wine?

This wine is made by Le Macchiole winery, a well known producer in Bolgheri. Established in the 1980s, this winery is definitely part of the history of the Bolgheri region. The winery owns a kaleidoscope of vineyards and only works with its own grapes.

Click here to learn more about Le Macchiole.

A few Wine Geek “essential facts” about the wine (feel free to skip this if you don’t care about detailed wine-making information!):

Grape Varieties - 50% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah

Soil Types - varied

Viticulture - double cordon spur and guyot trained vines

Vinification - grapes were macerated and fermented in stainless steel tanks for 15 days before being aged for 10 months (80% used oak, 20% concrete)

ABV - 14%

Residual Sugar - 2 g/L

My tasting notes:

A medium ruby in the glass, this wine is lush and lithe, offering plenty of dark berry, plum, cassis, dark chocolate, char and baking spice notes. It is layered and nuanced but also extremely inviting and enticing. The tannins are firm, accompanied by refreshing acidity and overall freshness. It is a wine that will please a wide range of wine lovers because it has both presence of fruit and structure on its side.

Aging potential:

2 years.

Recommendations to Wineitupanotch:

Enjoy this wine with meat lasagne, veal or lamb kebabs.

Wineitupanotch Wine Score: 90 points

A well made, well integrated Tuscan beauty that will keep you warm and satisfied after a long day or on a cool night.

FINAL VERDICT:

Wines like this deserve the accolades and fan base that they acquire. If you are so inclined, this is a good wine to gift to someone who appreciates quality wine at a reasonable price point.

If you’ve tried this wine already, or decide to pick it up and try it after reading this post, I’d love to hear from you and hear what you think of it! Please do drop me a line.

Until next time, wishing you love, light and of course - good wine!……

Cheers…..XOXO