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.
Siepi is a 6 hectare vineyard located 260 metres above sea level with south, south-west exposure. The soil is mainly Alberese and the average vineyard age is 13 – 26 years. Spur cordon-training and Guyot training systems are used and 4,500-6,500 vines are planted per hectare.
Siepi’s exposure is unique. The vineyard is situated on a plateau that is well lit throughout the day and that is surrounded by an oak forest, creating a perfect micro-climate and a high diurnal range.
Hand picked from September 7th (Merlot), September 21st (Sangiovese)
Fermentation: 26 – 28° C, in stainless steeel tanks
Period of maceration: 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese)
Ageing: 18 months in french oak barrels (70% new):
Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese)
Finissage: 3 months in concrete tanks
Bottling: July 2022
Available on the market: October 2022
Production: 29,000 bottles
The 2019 harvest recalled the great vintages of the 1980s. This was a ‘classic’ year, with nature and nurture coming together to create something truly exceptional. Winter temperatures were below average and rainfall was low, with unusually warm weather at the end of February. However, stormy squalls through spring and late into summer replenished the water table and made up for the lack of winter rainfall. They also slowed down plant development in the early stages.
The summer was consistently hot, but without extreme temperatures or excessive rainfall. September continued fine, with a significant range in diurnal temperatures.
No pathogens compromised the excellent health of the grapes. Bud fruitfulness was within the norm and the good condition of the foliage showed just how well balanced the plants were in this extremely fine year.
By harvest time the grapes were perfect, thanks to the prevailing climatic conditions and the leaf removal which was carried out in early September. Both these factors contributed to optimal ripening of all grapes across our various production zones.
Beginning of the harvest: September 4th
End of the harvest: October 17th
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 590 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3580 °C
Evaluation: Outstanding
Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish.
Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses
Vinous 99 Pts
Falstaff 98 Pts
James Suckling 98 Pts
Winescritic.com 97 Pts
Jane Anson 97 Pts
Wine Advocate 96 Pts
Wine Spectator 96 Pts
Decanter 96 Pts
IGT Toscana
50% Sangiovese
50% Merlot
Natural Cork
14.69%
5.88 g/l
Yes
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