To reach Campi Nuovi winery in the Maremma region of Southern Tuscany, we patiently ascended a steep and rugged dirt road that seemed to have no end but we were steadfast in our mission because something special awaited us: the beautiful vino of esteemed winemaker Daniele Rosellini.
Campi Nuovi is clearly a labor of love for winemaker Daniele Rosellini.
Daniele and his wife Nadia Riguccini have created something truly special at their hilltop winery with the breathtaking view. When we arrived, Daniele was dressed in coveralls and hard at work completing various construction projects at the winery. He took a break to serve us his wine alongside homemade cheeses and other treats prepared by Nadia, who just happens to be an agricultural scientist. Energetic, passionate, and knowledgeable, Daniele is the quintessential Tuscan winemaker. Respected throughout the region because of his stellar track record as a viticulturist and oenologist in the Chianti Classico region, Daniele remains humble and doesn't rest on his laurels - he showed me nooks of his cellar where he is experimenting with new techniques.
Vineyards and view at Campi Nuovi.
Campi Nuovi Montecucco Sangiovese DOC ($19) was one of the loveliest expressions of Sangiovese that I tasted during my trip to the region. Elegant yet open, accessible yet complex; this red wine is meant to be shared around a table with friends. Fruit-forward and earthy with lovely flavors of cherry, rose hips, and violets with a hint of mineral and herbal notes; this balanced vino will pair beautifully with everything from roast chicken and steak to pasta and hard cheeses. Available in the United States and various locations abroad, you don't have to climb a hill to obtain your bottle of Campi Nuovi but it would be worth it.
United in marriage and their commitment to winemaking and agriculture, Daniele Rosellini and Nadia Riguccini are the owners of Campi Nuovi. The lands of their estate have a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Documents from Italy's 1950 land reform era identify an area called “Campi Nuovi” (New Fields) precisely where their estate is located today. Paying homage to the past, Daniele and Nadia decided to retain the Campi Nuovi name to indicate that they have finally found the place to start their new life.
(image courtesy of Campi Nuovi)