Querciabella Maremma Toscana IGT "Camartina" 2008
(Tuscany, Italy) - [AG 93] [JS 93] [WE 92]

About This Wine:

Querciabella's estate in the Maremma region of Tuscany consists of 86 acres and enjoys an ideal setting close to the sea but with the protection of the Uccellina Natural Park highlands.

The estate uses biodynamic agriculture to cultivate the land, an approach highly suited to the soil's distinct acidic quality that ensures the freshness and balance of the wines despite the temperate climate.

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. The wine was not produced in 1989, 1992, 1998, 2002 and 2009. No animal products or byproducts are used in the production of this wine, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. 

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.