Querciabella Maremma Toscana IGT "Camartina" 2003
(Tuscany, Italy) - [DM 95] [WA 93] [WS 91]

About the Winery:
Founded in 1974, Querciabella enjoys the acclaim of the world’s most discriminating critics and consumers for wines such as Camartina, Batàr, Palafreno and Querciabella Chianti Classico. In its uncompromising pursuit of quality, sustainability and authenticity, Querciabella has continually honed its approach to biodynamic viticulture for over a decade. With vineyards located throughout Tuscany’s Chianti Classico and Maremma areas, Querciabella exemplifies the mindful preservation of tradition through forward-thinking, albeit completely natural, winemaking. Camartina is made and released only if the vintage reaches a very high quality level.

About this Wine:
The vineyards where the grapes for Camartina are grown have been organically farmed since 1988. A full conversion to biodynamic techniques was later carried out in 2000. The grapes are carefully selected in the vineyards and harvested in 8 kilo crates. They are destemmed, not crushed, then transferred into five-ton French oak fermenters. Here, alcoholic fermentation, maceration and malolactic fermentation take place. Macerations last about 12 days for the Sangiovese, and up to 20 days for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Afterwards, the wine is transferred to French barriques; 25% new oak. The different cepages undergo separate elevage for one year. At this stage, the best lots, selected through extensive tasting, are assembled into the final blend, which undergoes another year of elevage. After bottling the wine rests for about six months before release. The wine is released no sooner than 30 months after harvest. Depending on the vintage, it reaches maturity between 4 and 7 years after harvest. The plateau lasts until at least 18 years after harvest. Camartina is made and released only in the best vintages. 

Technical information
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (70%); Sangiovese (30%).
Viticulture: Biodynamic since 2000; organic since 1988.
Average production: 12,000 bottles.
Appellation: Toscana IGT
First vintage: 1981
Average yield: Cabernet Sauvignon 25 hl/ha; Sangiovese 35 hl/ha.
Average alcohol content: 13.5% vol.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Lifted spice and a head-spinning top note are joined by aromas of dark fruits, cassis and a touch of bright cherry mixed with woodland undergrowth. I love the ebullient personality of this wine - there's a crunchy, sappy green note to the juicy fruit which adds a counterpoint to the lush, velvety texture and creates a lovely, bright energy. It all comes together with an expressive exuberance. A wide-awake wine!” – Susan Hulme MW (Feb 2018)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the 2003 Camartina is a drop-dead gorgeous effort. Fat, rich and opulent, it will reward consumers with its generous super-ripe fruit, great length and beautiful overall balance. While it doesn’t look to be one of the more long-lived Camartinas, with some air it is drinking beautifully today. It is a very refined effort in this vintage.” – Antonio Galloni (Jun 2007)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Attractive coffee, blackberry and tobacco character on the nose. Full-bodied, with loads of velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Beauty. Very well-crafted, especially for the vintage. Best after 2006. 2,500 cases made, 700 cases imported." (Oct 2005)