Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 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

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

Winemaking

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 2016

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 good-excellent ripeness and quality. This vintage characterized by high acidity, refined aromas and stable wines over time.
Beginning of the harvest: 15/09
End of the harvest: 15/10
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 365mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3,465°C
Evaluation: Poor (first part) – Good / Very good (second part)

Tasting Note

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.

Food Pairing

Serve with cold cuts, hearty pasta dishes or the ideal BBQ pour.

Serving Suggestion

Ageing potential 10 years plus

Press

James Suckling: 90 Points

Chianti Classico DOCG
90% Sangiovese
10% Malvasia Nera, Colorino and Merlot

Natural Cork
13.4%
Yes
Yes

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