Campogrande

A passion project of Barolo producer Elio Altare, the aim being to contribute to the rebirth of the extraordinary terroir that is Cinqueterre DOC. At one point not far off extinction, the total DOC, even now, still only amounts to a mere 79 ha of vines, perched on the sheer rocky slopes on the Ligurian coast. In 2005 Elio Altare and local Antonio Bonanni set about clearing Campogrande vineyard, which had been abandoned and covered with forest, before replanting it in rows. Their first harvest was 2008. Indigenous grapes are grown, Bosco and Albarola, which are then destalked and fermented on the skins for 1-4 days. Ageing for the Cinqueterre wines are in steel tank for a year, whereas the Telemaco is part aged in oak barrel. Brilliant, artisan wines made with respect for the environment and local culture. Characterful without being idiosyncratic, full-flavoured yet poised, these are wines to thrill and surprise. Production is sadly very limited, the estate’s total output is less than 6000 bottles a year!