Mazzei Strengthen their Partnership with MMD
We are delighted to announce that the Marchesi Mazzei estates Castello di Fonterutoli, Belguardo, and Villa Marcello will be distributed by Maisons Marques et Domaines from 10th June 2015 following the addition of Zisola, the family’s Sicilian estate to their portfolio in 2013.
“The Mazzei family is one of the most acclaimed names in Italian wine with a rich history and heritage and also a vision for the future. We are delighted to be extending our association with the family”, comments MMD Managing Director, Richard Billett, “In particular, the addition of one of the most sought-after Chianti estates, at a time when premium Italian wines are enjoying positive momentum, strengthens our proposition and underlines MMD’s ongoing commitment to the Italian category”.
Giovanni Mazzei adds, “Joining MMD means joining a distributor that we feel represents the level of excellence and commitment we consider important. MMD and Mazzei will form a perfect match with a succinct vision. We are both family-owned companies, sharing similar values and we look forward to a long and prosperous working relationship.”
Castello di Fonterutoli is located near Castellina in Chianti in the heart of the Chianti Classico, and has been owned by the Mazzei family since 1435. Today, the estate comprises 117 hectares of vineyard, largely planted with Sangiovese (36 carefully selected clones that are best suited to the four areas of production: Fonterutoli and Badiola, the higher areas, with clones giving aromas and elegance and the lower areas, Siepi and Belvedere, with clones that provide structure and opulence). A small number of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines are also planted, the latter being blended with equal proportions of Sangiovese to make the iconic, single vineyard ‘Siepi’, made only in the best vintages. The cellar at Fonterutoli designed by architect, Agnesi Mazzei, is one of the most impressive in the Chianti region and has a minimal impact on the environment.
Tenuta Belguardo was purchased in the 1990s after the family identified the potential for producing quality wines on the estate. In line with their philosophy of innovation, the Marchesi Mazzei implemented an intense re-planting programme, carefully selecting grape varieties and clones. The estate is situated in the Maremma between the hills of Grosseto and Montiano, and within the official Morellino di Scansano viticultural zone. The estate is only 10km from the coast which plays an important role in the microclimate of the vineyards which cover 60 hectares and are planted with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Vermentino, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and other indigenous varieties.
Villa Marcello is the latest project of Giovanni Mazzei, who launches his first vintage Prosecco from his mother’s family estate in the Veneto. The Prosecco shows a balance between modern and traditional techniques which highlight the wines’ origin and unique character.
A selection of the wines will be on show at the ‘Definitive Italian’ Tasting in London at the Royal Horticultural Hall on Thursday 25th June and at the ‘Chianti Classico Consorzio’ Tasting in Edinburgh on Tuesday 7th July at the Balmoral Hotel.