Bolgheri may be known for its grand names and bold reds, but then a producer quietly redefines what grace in a glass can mean. During Campo alla Sughera’s October virtual tasting, I was reminded that precision can be poetic — that when a vineyard speaks with balance and intention. This wasn’t just another Tuscan story; it was a masterclass in how passion, craftsmanship, and patience converge to create wines that linger long after the last sip.
A Legacy Rooted in Precision
Founded in 1998 by the Knauf family, Campo alla Sughera has long pursued what its director, Tommaso Alessandri, calls the “paradigm of enological perfection” — not perfection itself, but the relentless pursuit of it. Tuscany’s Bolgheri appellation is celebrated for sea breezes and mineral-rich soils, and this estate stands as one of its most precise. Forty micro-parcels, each vinified under the direction of winemaker Francesco Gagliardi and consulting enologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, form a narrative of terroir, texture, and time.
The Wines: Power in Equilibrium
I was able to try the following lineup from the winery:
- 2024 Arioso Vermentino — Arioso is a lively, coastal Vermentino showing bright citrus—lemon, orange blossom, and chamomile—with a silky texture and hints of almond and acacia honey. The finish is zesty and saline.
- 2021 Arnione Bolgheri Superiore — Arnione is a bold Bordeaux-style Tuscan red, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It’s deeply aromatic, with notes of black currant, blueberry and eucalyptus.
- 2023 Adèo Bolgheri Rosso – I tasted cherry and cassis, floral undertones, and a touch of vanilla. The mouthfeel is soft, showing lively acidity and mild tannins.
- 2021 Anima d’Arnione Toscana — Anima d’Arnione is a limited edition release capturing the estate’s finest parcels in a collector-worthy bottling. It’s robust yet elegant, offering complex dark fruit, spice, and mineral character balanced by fine tannins and a persistent finish.
- 2021 Campo alla Sughera Toscana — This estate blend highlights Bolgheri’s terroir beyond the main DOC bottlings. I taste dark berry, hints of fig, and a harmonious balance for easy drinking.
Even through a screen, this tasting captured what every wine lover craves: connection. The presentation balanced deep sensory storytelling with technical precision, letting the wines themselves lead the dialogue.
Campo alla Sughera reminds us that perfection isn’t the goal—it’s the compass. And with every sip of Adèo or Arnione, you sense that Bolgheri’s heart beats strongest when precision meets passion.
