The pioneering wine estate Campo alla Sughera was created with a strong sense of conviction and a clear objective from the start: to employ research, expertise and innovative technical solutions to produce outstanding wines – including one of the most sought-after Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC, convincing in terms of structure, terroir and complexity. That was the starting shot for our “operation quality” project – to be implemented from the vineyard to the winery and the final product with the support of professional partners. Everything had to start from scratch for the simple reason that, when the Knauf family acquired the 20 hectares of land in 1998, there were neither vines nor a farmhouse there. Today, the sandy and loamy soils and excellent climate produce fine mature grapes for expressive Cabernet Sauvignons, Cabernet Francs, Merlots and Petit Verdot as well as the classic white wine varieties Vermentino and Chardonnay.
For our quality operation, the vineyards were planted in keeping with the latest findings for low yields and a high density of vines per hectare (9,500). That strategy was still experimental at the time and was an enormous challenge for the team. But the determination with which the innovative plans were implemented has been rewarded over the years with highly promising improvements in quality – in vegetative, reproductive and enological terms.
The innovative spirit extends from the vineyard to the cellar, where modern production processes and precision work combine with proven traditional methods. Three levels are available for the various steps in the wine-making process, for example, that gravity replaces mechanical transportation. For vinification, the complete grape harvest is subjected to very careful selection by hand. The grapes are handled and selective vinification for the fifteen microsites is performed with the greatest possible care – in separate, temperature-controlled stainless steel maceration vats and then in top-quality French oak barriques from the very best suppliers, sometimes new and sometimes used. It is all a continuous process of further development and experiment – and excitement.
All our efforts to make outstanding wines are subject to the principle of sustainability. After all, Campo alla Sughera is a wine estate with heart and soul – with people who treat nature with respect and are united in a deeply shared passion for wine growing and exquisite results.
