Stella di Campalto Vol. 1

My initial intention was to share various facts about the Montalcino region, its history, and how, unexpectedly and somewhat mystically, Stella found herself in this place and began creating a symphony. But during the tasting itself, I realized that no words of mine could convey the universe compactly nestled in each glass. These wines speak clearly and profoundly. They need time, they need space, and they need attention. But they are alive and expressive. After tasting them, there are no specific questions left, only the desire to meet them again. This isn't just art; it's pure magic.

That's why I'm so glad we were able to gather. I've often said my goal is simple---to share a love of wine. With personal wines like those from Stella di Campalto, I want everything to be just right, ensuring there aren't too many participants, enough wine for everyone, and enough time for each glass to unfold. So we could truly enjoy and drink the wine, not just cross it off a list. The fact that everyone enjoyed the wines only multiplied my satisfaction from the evening.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our gathering. For both the desire to discover something new and to return to old favourites. Thanks to Pantagruel and its staff for the incredibly delicious pairing and cosy setting. Thanks to Andrii Borysiuk for his help with organizing. Maksym Demchenko, Serhii Bohatyrchuk, and Victoria Zamchenko for the bottles, and Zorick Umansky for introducing me to such a wonderful winemaker. As you can see, what might seem like a simple, small dinner is a result of many events and interactions. There's magic in that, too.

If you'd like to read more about the winemaker, we already have a separate page with some facts (which I plan to rewrite soon), and there's also a great article by Eleanor Shannon, "Stella di Campalto: Soul, Soil and Biodynamic Brunello."

Bérêche & Fils Brut Réserve 06/23 NV

You can find more about the producer on a separate page.

Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino 2016

Stella named the 2016 vintage La Limpidezza (Clarity). While Rosso di Montalcino is typically required to age for at least 10 months, Stella goes beyond even the minimum aging period for Brunello. This Rosso was aged for 21 months in wood and an additional 32 months in bottle. A total of 9,777 bottles were produced, including 1,400 magnums and 21 double magnums.

Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino 2013

Stella named the 2013 vintage L'Eclettismo (Eclecticism). The wine is aged for 20 months in wood, followed by an additional 33 months in bottle, with a total production of 9,993 bottles.

Stella di Campalto Brunello di Montalcino VCLC 2016

The VCLC 2016, hailing from the eponymous 'Vigna Curva Lato Cantina' ("Curved Vineyard on the Side of the Cellar"), is yet another embodiment of Clarity, as Stella named the 2016 vintage. It rests for 43 months cradled by wood and an additional 32 months in the bottle, emerging in 6,447 standard bottles and 770 magnums.

Stella di Campalto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013

The wine is aged for 45 months in wood, followed by an additional 32 months in bottle. Only 5,797 bottles were produced.

Stella di Campalto Grappa di Brunello

I love starting wine tastings with a bottle of Champagne and ending them with something special---whether it's a sweet wine, fortified wine, or even grappa! And since we're talking about Stella di Campalto, I think finishing with her Grappa di Brunello is the perfect touch. Of course, it's not for everyone, but it adds an interesting layer to the experience. This complex and delicious grappa, aged 5 years in wood, is limited to just 407 half-litre bottles.

Raw scores