Le Macchiole

Paleo Bianco 2021

Toscana IGT

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First produced in 1991 in tiny quantities for a local restaurant, Paleo Bianco today is a silky, mineral-driven blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with loads of savory Mediterranean character.

VINEYARD

The fruit for Paleo Bianco 2021 was sourced from the Casa Nuova vineyard, which was planted in 2009 and the Ulivino vineyard, which was planted in 2016. Yields are notably restricted. The training system is single guyot. The 2021 vintage is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Sauvignon Blanc.

WINEMAKING

Paleo Bianco is fermented in oak barrels of varying sizes for 10 days (10% in 225L, 50% in 300L and 30% in 500L), followed by 8 months of aging (20% in new oak barriques and tonneaux, 70% in second, third and fourth passage barriques and tonneaux, 20% steel tank.)

VINTAGE

The year began with a rainy winter that saw higher than average temperatures, which brought about a slow start to pruning. Temperatures rose slightly in spring, causing rapid budding of both Chardonnay and Merlot, which in turn exposed those two varieties to a higher risk of frost damage at the beginning of April, when temperatures dropped to near freezing overnight for two consecutive nights. Thankfully, there was no evident damage as a result. Thanks to the water reserves accumulated during the winter rains, the rising temperatures during the second half of April brought about a rapid vegetative growth and constant development of the vine shoots, which continued through the entire month of May. The summer had a classic, positive start, with a slight delay of flowering, fruit set, and veraison due to the spring frost; the season ended with a very dry period that continued through all of harvest. Harvest began during the third week of August, as it had in previous years, and continued through the end of September, which saw rainfall during the final phases of the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon harvest.

TASTING NOTE

Deep aromas of lime and white flowers and a delicate spicy note reminiscent of almond and hazelnut.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Appellation

Toscana IGT

Alcohol

13%

Suggested Retail Price

$113

Reviews

"Apple slices and lemon-lime candy"

Wine Enthusiast - March 24, 2023 "Opening aromas of rubber bouncy ball and green apple on the nose belie the seriousness of this Chardonnay. It subsequently suggests salted lemon peel, damp cobblestones and more lush tree fruit and spices. The palate turns to crisp green-apple slices and lemon-lime candy, with salted peanuts on the back and searing acid that lifts it all into an ethereal plane." D.C 4/23  

"Fresh acidity, creamy citrus"

Wine Advocate - June 26, 2023 "The 2021 Paleo Bianco is a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30%Sauvignon Blanc that offers fresh acidity, creamy citrus and plenty of sharp mineral definition. This mid-weight white sees partial oak. Only 10% of the Chardonnay sees barrique, and the rest goes into bigger tonneaux. The Sauvignon Blanc goes directly into stainless steel. The purpose of this two-phased approach is to maintain the almost salty aromas that emerge so gracefully. They did not want to prioritize the heavy sweetness or excessively tropical notes of the Chardonnay." M.L 7/22  

"Lemon custard"

James Suckling - July 6, 2023 "This has a citrusy nose with hints of pear skins, honeysuckle, raw almond and lemon custard. Full-bodied and round-textured with crunchy acidity. Polished and mineral. A blend of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc." J.S. 7/23  

Trade Materials

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