2022 Bolgheri Rosso

50% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah – another Merlot-dominant wine. Harvest began in the third week of August and continued to mid September. 15 days’ maceration. 70% aged in barriques of 225 or 228 litres of third and fourth passage, 30% aged in concrete, for 10 months. TA 5.46 g/l, pH 3.49, RS <0.5 g/l. Very transparent crimson. Firm intensity on the nose. Sweet start and perhaps a little lack of conviction on the palate but it’s already approachable and fun – if not too expensive! Lighter and fresher than most. (JR)

The Le Macchiole 2022 Bolgheri Rosso is currently on the market with a new vintage arriving soon. The 2022 growing season was hot and dry. In comparison, 2023 was hot with more rain toward the end of the season. This expression shows terrific fruit definition and firmness, with present but mild tannins at the back, and unexpected freshness that does the trick. The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah that sees a quick 12 days of skin maceration and is partially aged in cement and partially in oak.

The 2022 Bolgheri Rosso is a soft, easygoing red to drink now and over the next few years. Sweet red cherry fruit, pipe tobacco, cedar and spice open nicely, giving this mid-weight Rosso plenty of charm. Soft contours wrap it all together in style.