Alessandro Cellai was mentored by the inventor of Sassicaia and Tignanello, Giacomo Tachis, and so although his unique passion of Tuscan Pinot Nero has led much of his current journey, it’s no surprise that Cellai also works with the more classical Bordeaux grapes of the Super Tuscan. This is an even split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, all grown on Cellai’s small estate in Castellina. It’s a selective harvest that has been fermented in steel, then matured in French and American oak (50% new) for 15 months. The wine’s name takes inspiration from the Monastero bell tower (Campanaio translates as “bell ringer”), while the label was designed by Konrad Winzer, a contemporary painter and sculptor and friend of the estate.
2023
The wine offers up classic blackcurrant Cabernet fruit, backed by juicy dark cherry, sweet French oak, liquorice and rose, a combination that presents as racy and flamboyant until settling into a rich and mouth-filling texture, with velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish.
