Castello Fonterutoli Poggio Badiola 2016

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.

The new vintage of Poggio Badiola has arrived! Its brand new label is inspired by the ancient Romanic abbey, La Badiola, which was built in 998 B.C. and overlooks the vineyards of one of the most picturesque hills of Chianti Classico. The addition of Petit Verdot to the blend (65% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot ) adds an appetising spiciness and enhances its longevity. The wine spent 10 months in Tonneaux barrels (500 L) allowing the production of a fresher, more modernstyle while the introduction of the natural cork enables further ageing and elevates its quality level.

Vineyards

Vineyard locations:belvedere and Le Ripe
Altitude: 450 – 510 metres above sea level
Soil: Rocky – decomposed limestone and sandstone
Training system: Spur cordon-training and Guyot
No. of vines per hectare: 5,500 – 7,200

Winemaking

Harvest: Hand picked from 22ndth September (Sangiovese), from 23rd September (Merlot)
Fermentation temperature: 26 – 28° C
Period of maceration: 12 – 15 days
Ageing: In French / American small oak barrels (500 litre) for 10 months
Bottling: March 2015

Vintage Information

“Mild and rainy winter with temperatures above the seasonal averages; spring and early summer rain as well. At the end of June the rain stopped and the temperatures rose, thus marking the beginning of summer on 21st June.

The summer was characterised by warm but generally not hot days, with changes in the temperatures during the day influencing the quality of the grapes. At the end of August and especially from the middle of September to the first week of October, greater changes in the temperatures between the day and the night have been observed, alongside with a long-term stability, thus creating the ideal conditions for the ripening of the bunches with the accumulation of aromatic precursors and polyphenols proving the great quality of the 2016 vintage.

Upon the harvest, the grapes were globally healthy and the refinement in the cellars proved  the high quality of the grapes picked up.” , Castello di Fonterutoli

Tasting Note

Attractive ruby red in colour, with lifted perfumes of plum, damson and an appetising spicy charecter. The palate is full of lovely red berry fruit flavours with smooth, integrated tannins combining the finesse of Sangiovese with the structure and the smooth qualities of Merlot blended seamlessly with the

Food Pairing

Great with cold cuts, lasagne, moussaka, ragu or tomato based pasta dishes and of course pizza!

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 16°C.

Press

James Suckling: 92 POINTS

“Ash, black cherries, dried spices and some plummy notes are what predominate on the nose. Full body, medium-chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink in 2020.”

IGT Toscana
65% Sangiovese
30% Merlot
5% Petit Verdot

Natural Cork
13.49%
6%
Yes
Yes

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