Querciabella Maremma Toscana IGT "Camartina" 2018
(Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 94+] [WA 94] [JS 93] [WS 93]

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; 30% new oak for this vintage. 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: 14% vol.

Ratings & Reviews

94+ Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Camartina is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Dark, brooding and quite closed, the 2018 is going to require cellaring and a good bit of patience, too. Dark-fleshed fruit, leather, spice, menthol and grilled herbs emerge with some coaxing. The Cabernet is quite evident in both the flavor profile and overall structure, which likely explains the wine's general feel today.” – Antonio Galloni (Jul 2022)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The organic 2018 Camartina is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese. A consistent performer vintage after vintage, this Tuscan blend shows an exotic quality, with barbecue spice or steak sauce that frame a core of supple dark fruit. But the aromas don't stop there. It unfolds to show balsam herb, blue flower and grilled rosemary. The wine is packaged in bulky glass, and 10,000 bottles were produced.” – Monica Larner (Feb 2023)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This supple red is highlighted by black currant, blackberry, plum, Mediterranean herbs and leather. Shows fine intensity and a lively structure that keeps this delineated and long on the earthy finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2038. 830 cases made, 59 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Dec 2022)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"Currant and floral aromas with some cement and violets. Medium body, firm tannins and tangy acidity that shows lots of citrus rind. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two when it will have softened.” (Jun 2022)