CAMPO ALLA SUGHERA | Adèo | Bolgheri Rosso | 2020
cabernet sauvignon | merlot

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Campo alla Sughera winery was founded in 1998v by the Knauf family, who identified the enormous potential of this maritime-influenced terroir. The winery is located near the village of Bolgheri, in a small pocket between the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged Colline Metallifere. Bolgheri did not receive DOC classification until the 1980s, but it has a rich, tapestried history of wine-making nonetheless.
Today we are are going to review a genuine Super Tuscan wine blend from the famous Bolgheri wine region in Toscana – Adèo Bolgheri Rosso 2020 by Campo alla Sughera. This wine is a harmonious blend between cabernet sauvignon (60%) and merlot (40%), where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, while merlot builds a more refined mid-palate and creates a leaner and a more dynamic finish. The wine’s name, ‘Adèo‘ was inspired by an ancient greek scholar and writer of the third century BC, who was an author of essays about art and enology.

This wine was highly acclaimed by famous wine critics, being awarded 90 pints by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and 92 points by James Suckling.  In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 12 months in french oak barriques and another 6 months in the bottle before it was deemed ready for market release.

The Toscana wine region has long boasted an impressive reputation in the world of great wines, earning its prestige as one of the most promising and creative production areas in the world of wine as a result of a number of forward-thinking producers that experimented with international grape varieties like merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, and modern winemaking techniques like ageing in french oak.

Bolgheri’s terroir is unique, defined by its mediterranean climate, defined by mild winters and warm summers and moderated by its coastal exposure, with sunlit hillsides, and diverse soil profiles, with a mix of clay and sand, which provides excellent drainage and imparts distinct mineral qualities to the wines. Bolgheri’s proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea benefits from cooling sea breezes that mitigate extreme temperatures, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and steadily. These geological factors, combined with the proximity to the sea, create an optimal microclimate for grape growing, resulting in wines of exquisite elegance and complexity that can rival the other famous wine regions of the world, including Bordeaux.

color: medium-pale | garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine displays a medium to pale garnet color, complemented by hazy garnet shades towards the rim, suggesting youthfulness while still inviting interest.

intensity: rich & vibrant
fruit character: ripe

The wine’s olfactory profile is rich and vibrant, characterized by an array of ripe black fruits including dark cherries, blackcurrants, and plums. Underneath these luscious fruit notes, oaky aromas of sweet tobacco, toasted oakwood, and cloves emerge, alongside appealing spice notes of peppercorn and tonka seeds. Subtle earthy undertones of pencil lead and clay highlights the wine’s terroir-driven roots, providing an even more aromatic complexity that invites deeper exploration.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: crisp & seedy

On the palate, this wine feels bold and complex, showcasing firm structure alongside a bright acidity that elevates its freshness. The ripe and seedy tannins create a seedy texture, harmonizing beautifully with the flavor journey that unfolds layers of dark fruits intertwined with earthy elements and a hint of spice.

maturity: developing | drink now or age for 4 to 5 more years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this wine is still in the development phase, maybe ready to be enjoyed today but promising enough balance and robustness to age gracefully for another 4 to 5 years. This is an elegant and vibrant wine that will only improve with time, evolving beautifully and reaching its full potential around 2028-2030, making it an excellent addition to any wine lover’s collection.

CAMPO ALLA SUGHERA | Adèo | Bolgheri Rosso | 2020
variety: cabernet sauvignon | merlot
country: Italy
region: Toscana | Bolgheri
rating: 94.1

As a standout pairing, consider matching this wine with grilled lamb seasoned with rosemary or a classic pasta all’amatriciana. The bold structure and rich flavors in the wine will complement lovely the savory richness of the lamb or the spicy, tangy profile of the pasta, creating an exquisite dining experience.

Bolgheri area played a significant role in the evolution of modern Super Tuscan wines and only gained DOC status in the 1980s – a long time after the region has gained international recognition and its wines were already classics that were sought-after every wine collector.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!