Castello Fonterutoli ‘Philip’ 2014

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

Vineyard altitude: 50 – 310 metres above sea level. South south-west exposure
Vineyard age: 10 – 15 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training
No. of vines per hectare: 6,600

Winemaking

Harvest: Hand picked from 15th September (Belguardo), 27th September (Fonterutoli)
Fermentation temperature: 28 – 30° C
Period of maceration: 16 days (Fonterutoli), 20 days (Belguardo)
Ageing: 24 months in small French and American oak barrels (500 litre / 30% new)
Bottling: March 2015

Vintage Information

The whole winter season time was characterised by temperatures above the average, while the rain level falls within the average. Harvest began on 15 September, with the first 2 weeks marked by minimum temperatures above the average by 3° C and unsettled weather. In the second decade of September the weather changed remarkably, exerting a great impact on the vintage quality, with the onset of a high-pressure system resulting in a strong reduction of the minimum temperatures, an increase in the maximum temperatures as well as a settled and dry weather with no rainfall at all for over 24 days; in October (another temperature anomaly) the average temperatures exceeded the seasonal average values in the Chianti Classico area. These conditions granted grapes with great ripeness and quality. This vintage was characterised by high acidity, refined aromas and stable wines over time.

Tasting Note

Dedicated to Philip Mazzei (1730-1816), an illustrious ancestor of the family, a passionate grape grower, political thinker, and “worldly citizen”. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from each of the Mazzei’s estates, Philip is the quintessence of Tuscany. It embodies the “New World” spirit of Tuscan winemaking, the “revolutionary” character of Philip Mazzei, and expresses the family’s desire to pursue happiness. It is intense and rich, distinctly Mazzei and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Food Pairing

Game stews, aged and blue cheese, rich dishes with some spice.

Press

The 2014 Philip is Mazzei’s 1005 Cabernet Sauvignon from estate vineyards in both Chianti Classico and Maremma. Ripeness and textural depth are pushed to the limit in this powerful, super-concentrated wine. Although not at all subtle, the 2014 speaks with distinction. Time in the glass adds brightness to the dark red cherry and plum notes to this plush, inviting wine. It will be interesting to see how Philip ages. It is certainly impressive as a young wine.”, 93 points Antonio Galloni

This is nicely done for a tough vintage with cherry, dark chocolate and stone aromas and flavours. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Excellent. Drink now or hold.”, 92 points James Suckling

IGT Toscana
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Natural Cork
13.83%
5.98 g/l
Yes
Yes

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