Vivi 2007: Campochiarenti

~ San Gimignano is clearly visible from Campochiarenti ~

"We were able to put in the bottle, the Tuscan character that comes from our history and our traditions. This is why we named the wine Vivi: it means "to live", but mainly it is the nickname of the most important member of our family, our mother."

Last summer, I was fortunate enough to spend a day with Daniele Rosti,  Proprietor and Winemaker at Campochiarenti where he first introduced me to Vivi.  Since then,  I've been fortunate enough to enjoy the wine several more times and it's been consistently excellent.  

Recently, with a plate of Pasta sul Cinghiale and later, with some aged Pecorino,  we enjoyed the most recent example.    The 2007 Campochiarenti Vivi  is a dark garnet color.  The wine is a Tuscan blend of 50% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot and 15% Cabernet and the non-native varietals contribute to the overall darker color of the wine. 

The aromas are splendid with flowers, spices, crushed black cherry, and tobacco.  The marriage of Sangiovese and Merlot is a seductive one to me and this is no exception.  On the palate, the wine is ripe, juicy and elegant with wonderful concentration and balance.  The core of black cherry fruit is accented with lively pipe tobacco and mineral notes.  Authentic.  When you tour Campochiarenti's vineyards, you are struck by the clam and oyster shells that dot the landscape. They're everywhere, and they contribute to the complexity in this wine.  Crisp acidity keeps this wine fresh and well structured.  Will easily last 5-7 years in your cellar but it's delicious right now.  93 points and a wonderful value.  Not imported to the US.  About $20 Euro.  

~ The grapes for Vivi are vinified separately and then blended before refinement. Aging in barrel lasts for 30 months and the wine is aged in bottle and additional year prior to release. Vivi is made only in ideal vintages. ~

E vero!