Paleo Bianco 2021 Le Macchiole

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (95)

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. This wine will hit the market in March 2023 but was bottled in April of this year. The first vintage made was 1991, and at the beginning, some Vermentino was used in the blend. Later, the blend was mostly Sauvignon Blanc with Chardonnay as support, but the roles were later reversed. By the way, I tasted the 1992 vintage of this wine at a local restaurant, and it was stunning.

Falstaff (93)

Clear, pale straw yellow. The nose opens with notes of lime and jasmine flowers, with slightly resinous notes in the background. Juicy and with good bite on the palate thanks to fresh, integrated acidity and a markedly salty note in the mid-palate.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

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.