Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino 2013

Ratings

February 18, 2025

This wine is nothing short of incredible. It demands patience—taking the time to let it unfold graciously. I savoured it over several hours, alone, and witnessed a mesmerising evolution in the glass. Aromas of dried strawberries, coffee, pickles, potpourri, leather, confiture, tobacco, and chocolate unfolded with time. It's wonderfully drinkable, with a silky, juicy texture and an impressive structure. This bottle is a true gem, having been stored at the winery until just a few months ago, ensuring its condition is simply perfect. An irresistible pleasure.

September 10, 2024

Simply incredible. This wine boasts a complex, nuanced, and delicate bouquet with intriguing tertiary notes. Aromas of coffee, dust, a touch of pickles, potpourri, and leather blend harmoniously. What a mix! The palate is perfectly balanced, seductive, and highly quaffable, leading to an endless and delicate finish. Notes of tobacco and chocolate intermingle with an abundance of dried strawberries. Aristocratic yet approachable, this wine is both ephemeral and irresistibly drinkable. A beautiful illustration of why aging wines is worthwhile—and it's still young! So fresh, so juicy! Truly an insane wine.

About Producer

Stella di Campalto is a remarkable winemaker known for her dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture at her family winery. She took over winemaking and viticulture in 1992, and by 1996, she had transitioned to certified organic farming. Biodynamic practices were introduced in 2002, with certification following in 2005. The estate is situated at the southeastern corner of the Montalcino zone and includes about 6 hectares of vineyards, with the rest of the 13-hectare property composed of olive groves and woodlands.

The estate itself, San Giuseppe, was originally established in 1910 but lay abandoned for decades until Stella di Campalto's family purchased it in the early 1990s. With no prior experience in winemaking, Stella embarked on a journey to revive the land, living under rustic conditions while she cultivated the vineyards and built the winery from scratch. Stella's approach to winemaking is deeply personal, with a strong connection to the land, which is reflected in the unique personalities of her wines.

Located near Monte Amiata in Tuscany, the land was initially not considered very desirable. However, its isolation became an asset, providing a unique terroir characterized by 12 different types of soil, ranging from quartz to volcanic black earth, contributing to the complexity of her wines. The vineyards benefit from their south and west-facing position towards the sea, above the Ombrone River, which is ideal for viticulture.

Stella employs various biodynamic practices, such as planting 25 different types of grains among the vines to maintain soil vitality and using traditional biodynamic treatments. Her approach to vine pruning is non-invasive, allowing the vines to reach their natural equilibrium. The winery itself is built into the hillside, allowing for a gravity-flow system that gently handles the grapes, and she employs spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, keeping each vineyard block separate to maintain their individual characters.

Grapes release their skins, in their element. Three extra years of aging—simplicity happens. Let it go: press, macerate, mutate, elevate. Into the cellar, from earth to oak. An alchemical pause, perfectly poised. It takes time, an eternity: surprises happen when you stop looking, and wait.

Stella di Campalto initially produced only Rosso di Montalcino, gaining recognition for creating wines with distinct identities, which she refers to as "identity" wines. She often ages her wines longer than the DOCG requirements, blending them only when they are ready, in a process she likens to matchmaking. Her wines are known for their authenticity and elegance, with bright ruby red colours and complex yet delicate aromas, reminiscent more of Burgundy than Bordeaux.