The genesis of the recent journey of this winery started in 1992, when Stella and her then husband received a parcel of overgrown land of 13.5 hectares south of Montalcino very close to Sant’Antimo abbey as a wedding gift.
After spending a few years abroad, Stella returned to Montalcino and decided to turn "the wilderness' into a vineyard. Several years of sheer hard work and study followed before she received her Organic certificate in 1995, and planted 4 Hectares in 1998 her first harvest being 2001.
Today, there are 6 individual vineyards:
Vigna al Leccio, south west facing, 340 m asl - Brunello di Montalcino appellation
Vigna Curva, south west facing, 320 m asl - Brunello di Montalcino appellation
Vigna al Sasso, south east facing, 290 m asl - Brunello di Montalcino appelation
Vigna Bassa, south facing, 270 m asl, Brunello di Montalcino appellation
Vigna al Bosco, south facing, 240 m asl DOC Sant’Antimo appellation
Vigna all’Ulivo, west facing, 280 m asl, Brunello di Montalcino appellation 8000 sq m- Rosso di Montalcino, 5000 sq m.
Each plot has its own character. Prior to the 2007 vintage, BdM wood ageing lasted 43 to 45 months and bottle ageing for 9 months. After that date, ageing between 18 to 22 months in bottle until 2011 when 33 months were required, increasing to 37 months from 2012 to today.
From 2002 a biodynamic system ensued gaining certification in 2005. New vineyards were planted to the South and West along the Ombrone river towards the sea.This river’s source is near Castelnuovo Berardenga on the south eastern side of Monti del Chianti.
Stella's approach to winemaking is meticulous and diligent, her study of her soils reveal 12 different components, quartz, limestone, sand, volcanic black earth being the most predominate, thus changing dramatically the results across the six vineyards.
Stella has planted 25 different types of grains among the vines, on a rotation bases and uses 500 and 501 biodynamic treatments plus limited amounts of copper and sulphur. To give a basic description of 501 preparation, this is essential biodynamic agriculture. It is the companion spray to Horn Manure (500 or 500P) and acts in polarity with it.
It is NOT used in the soil. It works on the aerial parts of plants during their growth phase.
Horn Silica can be considered as a sort of “spray of light” that promotes plant vigour, and reins in excessive growth. It adds a crystalline, luminous quality to plants, and reduces their susceptibility to diseases (Ref: BiOdrnamie Services).
Other points of interest are that she never cuts the tops of the vines, and keeps bees near the cellar which is a stone’s throw from the vineyards.
The cellar is in three levels and uses a gravity system. An old fashioned hand press is used, then spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts in large wooden vats follows. The harvest of the six vineyards are stored separately in the early stages.
I did taste from two barrels of Sangiovese 2015. Still very young, not showing much apart from great fruit quality, fresh tannins, good texture and a potential to hit the stars.
When discussing the different vintages with Stella she characterises the wines as a human persona. For example: Brunello di Montalcino’s 2008 and 2009 have opposite characters, the former being quiet, gentle and elegant the latter, at this stage, being a bold, brash, youthful hobbledehoy.
Stella di Campalto is independent, nonconformist, obsessed in producing quality wine that stands alone in representing her particular style and terroir.
She left the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino in 2009.
Tasting Notes
I would have normally posted my thoughts on the wines offered for me to sample, alas I was not offered any during this visit. Perhaps another day.
I did however taste and review the Rosso di Montalcino 2014 during my visit to Vinitaly so please refer to that review.