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.
Vineyard location: Vico Regio: 320 metres above sea level with a south west exposure
Soil: Alberese and Limestone
Vineyard age: 8 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training and Guyot
No. of vines per hectare: 6,660
Harvest: Hand picked from 29th September
Fermentation temperature: 26 – 28° C
Period of maceration: 14 days
Ageing: 22 months in French oak barrels (500 litre)
Bottling: February 2016
The winter months were characterized by average temperatures, with days well under 0°C degrees; the rainfall during the first 7 months was 35% above the average quantity, especially in July.
The ripening of the grapes processed gradually, taking the right time for a slow and perfect maturation, that facilitates the synthesis of the quality elements with accumulation of polyphenols. Significant diurnal temperature ranges enhanced the concentration of the aromas and tannins in August.
The year was particularly challenging, but the quality of the fruit was exceptionally rewarding.
Made from 36 clones of Sangiovese grown on the estate. Extremely elegant with fresh, red berry perfumes and typical Sangiovese notes of Morello cherry, leather and sweet spice. Extraordinarily complex and persistent, with supple tannins, balanced acidity and mineral notes – a wine of great finesse.
Roasted meats, stewed game, aged cheeses, mushroom and truffle dishes.
Ageing Potential: Over 20 years
JamesSuckling.com: 94 POINTS
“A red that is extremely polished and refined with blackberry and cherry character. Hints of cedar and dried flowers. Medium body. Juicy fruit. Hard not to drink this now but better in 2019.”
The Wine Advocate: 93 POINTS
Monica Larner – Robert Parker
“The 2013 Mix 36 is a clever mono-varietal expression of Sangiovese made from 36 distinct biotypes of the grape, 18 of which are exclusive to Fonterutoli Estate. The vines are 11 years old and harvest started on October 10th this vintage. The fruit is balanced and linear with red cherry, spice, dried blueberry and tobacco. It shows medium intensity and impressive persistence.”
IGT Toscana
100% Sangiovese
Natural Cork
13.5%
6.30 g/l
Yes
Yes