Ricasoli Campo Ceni

Ricasoli Campo Ceni is a Super Tuscan red blend of predominantly Sangiovese with Merlot, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Barone Ricasoli — documented as the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world — this wine draws its character from the estate vineyards surrounding the historic Castello di Brolio in the heart of Tuscany.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Tuscany, Italy  |  Style: Super Tuscan IGT  |  Producer: Barone Ricasoli, Gaiole in Chianti

Production & Heritage

Barone Ricasoli traces its winemaking lineage back to 1141, with the family credited as instrumental in defining the original Chianti blend in the 19th century under Baron Bettino Ricasoli. Campo Ceni represents the estate's young, approachable Super Tuscan expression — classified as an IGT Toscana rather than under the stricter Chianti Classico DOCG regulations, allowing the inclusion of Merlot alongside the dominant Sangiovese. The wine sees six months of oak aging, a relatively brief maturation designed to preserve fruit freshness and drinkability rather than layering heavy wood influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright red and dark fruit — black cherry, strawberry, and ripe plum — before giving way to subtle balsamic hints and light spice. There is an underlying earthiness that speaks to its Tuscan origin.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is clean and fruit-forward, led by cherry and blackberry. The mid-palate fills out with notes of leather, tobacco, and warm spice, while delicate, sweet tannins provide structure without heaviness. The wine is full-bodied yet round, carrying a sense of balance and energy throughout.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish is smooth and velvety with lingering dark fruit and a whisper of earthy spice. The tannins resolve gently, leaving a clean, vinous impression.

How to Drink Campo Ceni

Campo Ceni drinks well at a light cellar temperature of around 16–18°C (61–64°F), and its approachable tannins make it enjoyable without extended decanting. Its fruit-driven profile and moderate structure also make it a versatile wine for food-centered occasions. Try it alongside a classic Negroni Sbagliato, where its berry notes complement the bittersweet vermouth base. It also pairs naturally with a Sangria-style red wine punch, contributing depth and spice. For a simple aperitivo serve, a short pour alongside bruschetta and cured meats lets the wine's cherry fruit and earthy character shine.

Best For

• Weeknight Italian dinners featuring pasta with red sauce or grilled sausages
• Introducing someone to Tuscan reds without the higher price of Chianti Classico Riserva
• Casual gatherings where an easy-drinking but characterful red is needed
• Building a foundational understanding of Sangiovese-based blends from Tuscany

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Campo Ceni taste like? Campo Ceni is a fruit-forward Tuscan red dominated by cherry, blackberry, and plum flavors, supported by soft tannins and notes of leather, tobacco, and warm spice. It is full-bodied yet round and balanced, with an approachable, velvety texture.

How does Campo Ceni compare to Ricasoli Chianti Classico? Campo Ceni is classified as an IGT Toscana (Super Tuscan) rather than a DOCG Chianti Classico, which means it blends Sangiovese with Merlot outside the stricter Chianti regulations. The result is generally softer and more fruit-driven than Ricasoli's Chianti Classico bottlings, which tend to show more structure, acidity, and traditional Sangiovese austerity.

Is Campo Ceni good for everyday drinking? Yes — with six months of oak aging and a focus on fresh fruit character, Campo Ceni is designed as a young, approachable red that does not require extended cellaring or decanting to enjoy.

Where is Campo Ceni made? Campo Ceni is produced by Barone Ricasoli at their historic Castello di Brolio estate in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti, within the Chianti Classico zone of Tuscany, Italy. Despite its Chianti heartland origins, the wine is classified as an IGT Toscana.

What foods pair well with Campo Ceni? Grilled Italian sausages complement its smoky, spiced fruit. Pasta with bolognese or tomato-based ragù mirrors the wine's acidity and cherry notes. Aged pecorino cheese draws out the leather and earthy undertones. Roasted eggplant or mushroom dishes echo its savory depth. Pizza margherita is a straightforward match for its medium body and bright fruit.

What sizes does Campo Ceni come in? Campo Ceni is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Campo Ceni worth the price? Campo Ceni positions as an entry-level Super Tuscan from one of the most historically significant estates in Italy, making it a strong value proposition within the broader Tuscan red wine category. For drinkers seeking authentic Sangiovese character without paying Chianti Classico Riserva or Gran Selezione prices, it delivers honest, well-made fruit at an accessible tier.

Why Campo Ceni?

Few wineries anywhere in the world can claim a continuous history dating to the 12th century, and that heritage alone gives Campo Ceni a provenance most wines at its price level cannot match. What distinguishes it within the Ricasoli range is its deliberate focus on youthful fruit vibrancy — the short six-month oak aging preserves the Sangiovese's natural cherry brightness while the Merlot component adds roundness and softness. It functions as an honest gateway to Tuscan reds: clearly Sangiovese-driven, clearly from quality terroir in Gaiole in Chianti, yet unburdened by the extended aging and higher price tags of the estate's DOCG-classified wines. For anyone building familiarity with Italian reds, Campo Ceni represents a reliable, well-structured starting point from a producer with nearly nine centuries of experience.