~ The Mediterranean Sea near Castagneto Carducci, home to Tenuta Campo al Mare ~

Like many reputable Italian wine making families, the Folonari’s are no stranger to the renaissance that has occurred on the western coast of Tuscany.  Since the mid 1990’s wineries have been acquiring land in the Maremma and estates have been popping up all along the coast.  

The area is blessed with a favorable climate, soft breezes off the ocean and the perfect soil which is an ideal combination of sand and clay, perfect for the cultivation of Bordelaise varieties.  In 1999, Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari acquired the 25 hectare estate that would become Tenuta Campo al Mare – the Fields by the Sea.  Replanting immediately began and in 2002 a new state of the art winery was completed.  

~ Cypress trees are an icon in Tuscany and the Campo al Mare label honors that ~

Today we’re taking a look at the newest release from the estate, the 2013 Campo al Mare Bolgheri Rosso which bears the name of the estate. 
The 2013 is a blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.  The striking color is a deep opaque purple with only a slightly lighter hue at the rim of the bowl.   Aromas from the glass give off crushed black fruit, licorice, grilled toast, and Tuscan brush.  On the palate the wine is medium to full bodied with a generous core of black plums, licorice and soft cask notes.  The well integrated tannins make this ready to enjoy now.  The wine is vinified in stainless steel and then aged 12 months in 1 year old French barrique before being bottled and held an additional 3 months before release.   Very tasty with the brick oven pizza we matched with it.  91 points.  Nice value around or under $20.

~ The label on the wine is a nod to Tuscany’s ubiquitous Cypress trees ~ 


Here are the pizzas, courtesy of Trattoria 089,  that provided a lovely foil for this wine.

~ Porcini with fresh cherry tomato, Mozzarella and a touch of Gorgonzola ~

~ Broccoli Rabe, Sausage and Fresh Mozzarella ~


Cin Cin!

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