Castello Fonterutoli ‘Siepi’ 2012

Producer Information

Fonterutoli is located 5 km south of Castellina in Chianti (Siena), on the hills facing the Val d’Elsa, in the heart of the Chianti Classico. Owned by the Mazzei family since 1435, it still retains its original form, that of a tranquil country village: a cluster of houses, the church of San Miniato and the villa, built at the end of the 1500s where the medieval castle once stood. Today, the estate comprises 117 hectares of vineyard, largely planted with Sangiovese with some Merlot, Colorino, Malvasia Nera and Cabernet Sauvignon vines also planted. The cellar at Fonterutoli, designed by architect, Agnesi Mazzei, is one of the most impressive in the region, and has a minimal impact on the environment.

Vineyards

Siepi is a 6 hectare vineyard located 260 metres above sea level with south, south-west exposure. The soil is mainly Alberese and the average vineyard age is 13 – 26 years. Spur cordon-training and Guyot training systems are used and 4,500-6,500 vines are planted per hectare.

Siepi’s exposure is unique. The vineyard is situated on a plateau that is well lit throughout the day and that is surrounded by an oak forest, creating a perfect micro-climate and a high diurnal range.

 

Winemaking

Harvest: Hand picked from 26th August (Merlot), from 21st September (Sangiovese)
Fermentation temperature: 26 – 28°C
Period of maceration: 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese)
Ageing: 18 months in small French oak barrels (225 litre / 70% new)

Vintage Information

Anomalous weather during the winter period, where there were very few precipitations with a snowfall in February. The months of June, July and August have been characterised by an almost total absence of rain, with temperatures above the seasonal average. A decisive change in weather in the last week of August and the first seven days of September gave a positive turn to the season; there were a significant drop in temperatures for both minimum and maximum temperatures, allowing the plants to resume “work” in an optimal manner and consequently arrive to the ripening of the grapes in very good conditions. The grapes have not had any problems and have arrived to the cellar in optimum conditions. This vintage from a quantitative point of view, gave us a reduction of about 25% -30% of the grapes compared to the previous years.

 

Tasting Note

Siepi 2012 is a rich, bright wine. Its bouquet is impressively complex and elegant and it is fresh, full and intense in the mouth. It has firm tannins, perfectly balanced acidity and a robust structure, which indicates that this wine is likely to mature to perfection over the coming decades.

Food Pairing

Rich meat dishes, roasts, game, blue cheese.

Press

“Fantastic depth of fruit and mouthfeel to this red with blackberries, blueberries, spices, walnuts and fresh herb character. orange peel, too. Full body, round and savoury tannins and a mouthwatering finish. A blend of sangiovese and merlot. Easily the best Siepi ever, and it celebrates 20 years of production. Drink or hold.” James Suckling: 98 Points

IGT Toscana
50% Sangiovese
50% Merlot

Natural Cork
Yes
Yes

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