Le Macchiole is a 55-acre estate in Bolgheri, on the western coast of Tuscany. It was established by Eugenio Merli with his wife Cinzia. Breaking the Tuscan tradition of planting primarily Sangiovese, the Merlis planted Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Eugenio died some years ago but Cinzia has continued to run the estate, which now also makes white wine. The flagship wine is Messorio, a Merlot. The estate also makes Cabernet Franc as well as a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Syrah. The white blend is a Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, has awarded its top rating of 3 Bicchieri to numerous vintages of Messorio. The journal has written that Le Macchiole has “a very long track record of turning out top-notch wines.”