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 location: 5 different vineyard sites
Altitude: 220 – 550 metres above sea level
Soil: Limestone
Age of vines: 12 – 25 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training and Guyot
No of vines per hectare: 4,500 – 7,500
Harvest: Hand picked from 24th September
Fermentation temperature: 26 – 28° C
Period of maceration: 16 – 18 days
Ageing: 12 months in small French oak barrels (225 and 500 litre / 40% new)
Bottling: February 2014
The vintage 2015 was characterized by a rainy winter which resulted in a good supply of water, followed by a mild spring and an hot summer with no rainfall for a rather extended period. The vegetative cycle, in general, took place in advance of the seasonal average in all phases.
Some rainfall in late July and after mid August led to a drop in temperatures, which have established the ideal conditions for the good ripening of the grapes with the accumulation of aromatic substances and polyphenol, ideal to produce a balanced wine, rich in structure, with complex aromas and long aging potential.
A deep ruby/garnet colour. Perfumed nose of black cherry, bramble and spice with hints of tobacco. A rounded structure with ripe tannins, integrated acidity and a touch of spice on the long finish.
Serve with cold cuts, hearty pasta dishes or the ideal BBQ pour.
Ageing potential 10 years plus
Decanter World Wine Awards 2016: Gold Medal
“Traditional and extremely well made with wonderful typicity, The nose is leafy and spice and it big and chunky on the palate with juicy, red fruit, firm tannins, leafy ripeness and discreet florals. Elegant and edgy with glorious fluidity”, Monthy Waldin, Regional Chair, 96 points
Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points
“Wonderful ripe bouquet of forest fruit, ginger and delicate florals. Full and densely textured with mature, cedary black fruit. A seductive wine, fine intensity“, Decanter Drink 2018-2022 Alc 13.5%
“Youthful crimson. Really concentrated cherry jam on the nose cut through by spice. A pretty, medium-bodied wine with spicy cherry and dark fruit and with a muscular but ripe tannic structure.” 17/20 – Jancis Robinson
Chianti Classico DOCG
90% Sangiovese
10% Malvasia Nera, Colorino and Merlot
Natural Cork
13.5%
5.99 g/l
Yes
Yes
