Ep. 2719 Inside Bolgheri: Le Macchiole's Pioneering Cabernet Franc and Iconic Wines with Elia Campolmi | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to episode 2719 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 249 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc sits down with Elia Campolmi of Le Macchiole, one of Bolgheri's most respected wineries. Together, they explore the history and rise of Bolgheri as one of Italy's most influential wine regions, discuss Le Macchiole's pioneering role in producing the area's first 100% Cabernet Franc, and delve into the winery's acclaimed portfolio. Elia also shares insights from his experience in Pomerol and reflects on the connection between Bordeaux and Le Macchiole's celebrated 100% Merlot. More about today’s guest: Elia Campolmi is part of the team at Le Macchiole, a benchmark winery in Bolgheri founded in the early 1980s by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli. Known for its pioneering spirit and commitment to expressing Bolgheri's unique terroir, Le Macchiole gained international recognition for producing the region's first 100% Cabernet Franc and is also acclaimed for its iconic Merlot and Syrah wines. Today, Elia helps share the winery's story and philosophy with wine lovers around the world. Connect: Website: https://www.lemacchiole.it/en/azienda.html  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemacchiole/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elia-campolmi-246b47181/  More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website:  https://www.quaypress.uk   https://www.marcmillon.co.uk  https://www.vino.co.uk    https://www.quaypress.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!   Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!