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.
Harvest: Hand picked from September 10th (Merlot),
September 24th (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
A cool, dry winter gave way to a cool spring, with some areas being hit by frost in early April. While yields are smaller than 2020, thanks to the location of the Siepi vineyards they were spared the substantial losses faced by other areas. Cool weather through April was saved by a warm May, which allowed the cycle to catch up, and a hot, dry summer followed. The spring rains and the estates deep soils allowed the vines to avoid overly intense water stress, creating perfect conditions for small, concentrated grapes with exceptional potential in terms of quality.
Crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish.
Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses
98 points James Suckling
“An opulent yet tensioned young red with blackberries, violets and black olive skin character. Fullbodied. But has so much energy and focus. Goes on for minutes. A blend of merlot and sangiovese. Best after 2028.”
96+ Antonio Galloni
“The 2021 Siepi is impressive. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and mocha are nicely dialed up. This plush, succulent Sangiovese/Merlot blend is quite the charmer, as it so often is. The 2021 is exceptionally elegant and polished, certainly one of the best editions in recent memory. All that said, my view is that Siepi would benefit from longer aging in wood and or glass, as it is released too early for a wine of its stature and potential.”
96 points Jane Anson
“Immediately arresting, in that gorgeous Siepi way where the aromatics hug you and draw you straight into the glass. Love the dark pepper spices, well balanced by tobacco, rose petals, raspberry and greengage plum, sweet spices and fresh orange-peel acidities. Beautiful vintage of this wine, totally moreish and great quality. 70% new oak in barrels of various sizes, 225l for the Merlot and larger oak casks for the Sangiovese. Plenty of room for ageing this. Mazzei family, 6ha estate.”
IGT Toscana
50% Sangiovese
50% Merlot
Natural Cork
14.50%
6.20 g/l
Yes
Yes
