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: Altitude: 220 – 510 metres above sea level
Soil: Limestone
Age of vines: 10 – 24 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training
No. of vines per hectare: 4,500 – 7,500
Harvest: Hand picked from 14th September (Sangiovese), from 29th August (Merlot)
Fermentation temperature: 26 – 28° C
Period of maceration: 15 – 18 days
Ageing: 12 months in small French oak barrels (225 litre / 50% new)
Bottling: January 2014
2011 was a challenging growing season in Tuscany due to shortage of rain and high summer temperatures. Yields were reduced in order to maintain quality standards. The alcohol is slightly higher than usual but the wines retain the balance expected from the Fonterutoli range.
Ruby garnet in colour with aromas of Morello cherry, spice, leather and cigar box. On the palate, Morello cherry shines through along with delicious savoury undertones and a touch of spice. Structured with fine tannins balanced with good minerality and acidity make for a food friendly wine with a rich, long finish.
Pasta with rich/game sauces, stews, grilled red meats, semi-mature cheeses
Ageing potential: Over 10 years
Stephen Tanzer: 92 + Points
“The 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo isdark, fleshy and expressive. A firm backbone of tannin lends support as the 2011 opens up in the glass. Sweet red cherry, raspberry, spice and floral notes emerge, it will be interesting to see what time brings.”
Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points
“Sangiovese and 10% Merlot are behind this savory red. It opens with aromas of plum, blue flower, forest floor and baking spice. The aromas follow through to the elegantly structured palate, along with juicy black cherry crushed raspberry, clove and tobacco.”
Jancis Robinson MW: 92 Points
“Mid crimson. Multi-layered rich nose.Wonderful extract, length and bite on the palate.”
Antonio Galloni: 92 Points
James Suckling: 91 Points
“Violet and ruby-colored reflection. Elegant, with sufficient fruit character and spices on the nose. Rather dry tannins but harmonized with a hint of cinnamon and warm strawberry character on the palate. Elegant finish.”
90 points, Wine Spectator
“An exotic red, offering violet, black currant and boysenberry aromas and flavors matched to a rich, dense frame. Remains fresh and long on the finish. Best from 2016 through 2022”
90 points, Highly Recommended, Decanter
“Wonderful ripe bouquet of forest fruit, ginger and delicate florals. Full and densely textured with mature, cedary black fruit. A seductive wine, fine intensity”
Chianti Classico
90% Sangiovese
10% Merlot
Natural Cork
13.5%
5.8 g/l
