The History
The history of the Mazzei family is closely linked not just to the history of winemaking in Tuscany, but to the political and cultural history of the entire region. The first documents that name the Mazzei family – originally from the winemaking area of Carmignano – date back to the early eleventh century.
Today, under the guidance of Lapo, who oversees the property with the help of his sons, Filippo and Francesco, and Filippo’s son Giovanni, the family still devotes itself to winemaking, with an ongoing commitment to innovation and improvement while respecting tradition, family values and the natural environment.
The Estate
Tenuta Belguardo was purchased in the 1990s after the Mazzei family identified the potential for producing quality wines on the estate. In line with their philosophy for innovation, the family implemented an intense re-planting program, carefully selecting grape varieties and clones. In addition to the introduction of international varieties, the family have invested in a research and development project based on an ancient local strain of Sangiovese, found in the oldest vineyards of Scansano, to ensure the best clones are used for production.
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 10 km from the coast which plays an important role in the microclimate of the vineyards, characterised by low humidity, below average rainfall for the area and a high rate of evapotranspiration.
The estate cover 60 hectares, 32 of which are planted with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Vermentino, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and other indigenous varieties. The vines are planted at a density of 5,500 to 6,600 vines per hectare, mostly with spur cordon and Guyot training. The vineyards are situated at 70-130m above sea level with a south south-west exposure enabling optimum ripeness. The soil contains a high content of limestone and sandstone rocks which are good for water retention and some sand, giving excellent drainage.
This exceptional combination of soil and atmospheric conditions permits the cultivation of very diverse strains of grapes, which yield concentrated, complex wines that are also extraordinarily elegant and aromatic.
Download PDF PrintMaremma, Tuscany
100% Vermentino
A brilliant pale straw yellow in colour, the wine impresses with aromas of yellow plums and peaches and some floral notes. Medium bodied, the palate has lovely minerality and refreshing acidity.
Maremma, Tuscany
50% Sangiovese
50% Syrah
An attractive pale pink in the glass, with notes of juicy strawberry and cranberry and flowery hints of cherry blossom and rose petals. On the palate the wine is poised with fantastic freshness while the lees ageing adds to the mouthfeel and elevates the succulent red fruit flavours.
Maremma Toscana DOC
70% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Cabernet Franc
10% Alicante
5% Petit Verdot
Intense, elegant and vibrant, Mediterranean and blackcurrant notes, with a fresh and savoury finish.
Maremma, Tuscany
80% Sangiovese
20% Alicante
Good depth of colour, displaying the classic notes of ripe red fruits associated with Maremma with some blackberry and balsamic tones. The Serrata is structured, yet balanced with supple tannins and plenty of fruit on the finish.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG
100% Sangiovese
Bright garnet in colour, this wine has great depth of opulent cherry fruit. A judicious use of oak adds a spicy vanilla note to the perfume and a richness to the palate. Exceptionally long length with a supple finish.
Maremma, Tuscany
90% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Cabernet Franc
Classic notes of ripe red fruits associated with Maremma, combine with notes of blackberries and spice. This wine has an impressive structure with supple tannins and lovely notes of spice and black berry fruits on the finish.