Campaccio “Collezione” Toscana IGT

Terrabianca is located in the heart of Chianti Classico (about 12 kilometers outside of Siena and 15 kilometers outside of Florence), in an area with unusual terrain whose characteristics inspired the name: “Terra Bianca” actually means “white terrain” in Italian and it refers to the light color of the soil. After eight hundred years (when this soil and property seems to have been first mentioned), there is still a strata of chalk, sand and clay, which is predominantly calcareous, and it lends itself to the making of gorgeous wines. Roberto Guldener and his wife Maja currently own the winery and have greatly invested in the vineyards, replanting, researching and selecting clones that would thrive in this soil. Since 1988, the winery has grown to 124 hectares (307 acres), with hillside vineyards, manicured olive groves, and thick woodlands at an altitude of 250-500 (820-1,640 feet) above sea level. The vineyards are all high density and the choice of clones aims to bring out the best in each individual terroir. Owner Roberto Guldener believes that “Wine is a lifestyle, a creation that needs to match life; this is what makes it so fascinating. In our cellar, we have all the vintages produced from 1989 onwards: our history, a life dedicated to wine.” Terrabianca has a second property in the warm mineral-rich Maremma, 43 miles away, called Il Tesoro (“Treasure”, in Italian). This second estate is home to 4,000 olive trees, some of which are 350 years old, as well as Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards; the latter two varieties are particularly suited to this distinct terroir. All of the grapes are transferred to Radda within a few hours of picking, where they are vinified and bottled.

Campaccio’s cellar reserve is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from two vineyards in Radda in Chianti (calcareous-cretaceous substrata of sand and clay) and Massa Marittima in Maremma (loamy soil evolving into red earth). The vines face south and the grapes are generally harvested in early fall. Each variety is separately vinified in stainless steel tanks. The wine ages in French oak (300 liters) for about twenty-four months and in bottle for at least twelve months. A lovely bouquet of red fruit, notes of vanilla and licorice and hints of toasted coffee. Unbelievable richness, and complexity on the palate, structured, silky texture. This reserve is graced with a red lacquer stamp in place of a paper label.