The History
The history of the Mazzei family is closely linked not just to the history of winemaking in Tuscany, but to the political and cultural history of the entire region. The first documents that name the Mazzei family – originally from the winemaking area of Carmignano – date back to the early eleventh century.

Today, under the guidance of Lapo, who oversees the property with the help of his sons, Filippo and Francesco, and Filippo’s son Giovanni, the family still devotes itself to winemaking, with an ongoing commitment to innovation and improvement while respecting tradition, family values and the natural environment.

The Estate
Tenuta Belguardo was purchased in the 1990s after the Mazzei family identified the potential for producing quality wines on the estate. In line with their philosophy for innovation, the family implemented an intense re-planting program, carefully selecting grape varieties and clones. In addition to the introduction of international varieties, the family have invested in a research and development project based on an ancient local strain of Sangiovese, found in the oldest vineyards of Scansano, to ensure the best clones are used for production.

The estate is situated in the Maremma between the hills of Grosseto and Montiano, and within the official Morellino di Scansano viticultural zone. The estate is only 10 km from the coast which plays an important role in the microclimate of the vineyards, characterised by low humidity, below average rainfall for the area and a high rate of evapotranspiration.

The estate cover 60 hectares, 32 of which are planted with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Vermentino, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and other indigenous varieties. The vines are planted at a density of 5,500 to 6,600 vines per hectare, mostly with spur cordon and Guyot training. The vineyards are situated at 70-130m above sea level with a south south-west exposure enabling optimum ripeness. The soil contains a high content of limestone and sandstone rocks which are good for water retention and some sand, giving excellent drainage.

This exceptional combination of soil and atmospheric conditions permits the cultivation of very diverse strains of grapes, which yield concentrated, complex wines that are also extraordinarily elegant and aromatic.

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