Since the beginning of Tuscany’s wine revolution in the late 1970s, the region’s greatest Cabernets have been among Italy’s most coveted collectibles, led by Sassicaia and Solaia and joined today by Sammarco and Isole e Olena’s Collezione de Marchi.

Yet, one important wine of the genre, Querciabella’s Camartina, remains curiously unknown. It was one of the very earliest Cabernet-based Super Tuscans, with its first vintage coming in 1981. And it has been long revered by European collectors. Yet, few Americans know it.

This has always puzzled us. Camartina’s location is extraordinary, described by Antonio Galloni as “a stupendous position in the hills above Greve in Chianti.” And it is made with precision and passion by perfectionist proprietor Sebastiano Castiglioni.

The wine has been a consistent show-stopper. But some of the greatest performances have been in powerful vintages like 2006, when it has risen to the very top of the hierarchy.

The Wine

From its founding in 1974, Sebastiano Castiglioni has pursued the utmost quality from his estate near Greve in Chianti Classico’s heart. And since 1981, the jewel in Querciabella’s crown has been Camartina.

Sebastiano’s visionary recognition of his steep south-facing slopes of rocky galestro soil as ideal for Cabernet made him a pioneer of Bordeaux-based wine in Chianti.

By combining 70% Cabernet with 30% Sangiovese from these plots, fermented in wooden vats and then aged in French oak barriques, 25% new, Castiglioni created one of the greatest Tuscan Cabernets, as well as a unique expression of Greve terroir.

Now with a decade of age, the 2006 Camartina is fulfilling its promise as one of this cuvées greatest vintages—rich and powerfully structured, yet with the refined aromatics and texture that are this Super Tuscan’s alone.