Fonterutoli Siepi Toscana featured image
Fonterutoli Siepi Toscana 2023
Vintage
2023
Region
Tuscany
Country
Italy
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Sangiovese, Merlot
ABV
14.5%
Dietary
Vegan, Vegetarian
Sustainability
-
Castello di Fonterutoli
Castello di Fonterutoli is a historic Chianti Classico estate in Tuscany, Italy, owned by the Mazzei family since 1435 and located near Castellina in Chianti. Known for Sangiovese-led Tuscan wine, Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, Gran Selezione and Super Tuscan blends, Fonterutoli combines almost six centuries of heritage with precision viticulture and a state-of-the-art gravity cellar. Castello di Fonterutoli offers a benchmark for Chianti Classico and Tuscan fine wine, with a range that spans regional identity, single-parcel expression and age-worthy red wines.
Read MoreViticulture
Siepi 2023 comes from the Siepi vineyard in Castellina in Chianti, located at 260 metres above sea level with a south to south-west exposure. The soils are mainly Alberese, supporting structure, freshness and mineral definition. Vines are 25 to 38 years old, trained using spur cordon and Guyot, and planted at 4,500 to 6,500 vines per hectare. This historic site produces a powerful and age-worthy Tuscan red wine with depth, polish and strong vineyard identity.
Vinification
Merlot was hand-picked from 13 September, followed by Sangiovese from 2 October. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 26 to 28C. Maceration lasted 14 days for Merlot and 18 days for Sangiovese, reflecting the structure of each variety. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% new, with Merlot in barriques and Sangiovese in tonneaux. It was then finished for three months in concrete tanks before bottling in June 2025.
2023
The 2023 vintage began with a mild winter and low rainfall, followed by a rainy spring with initially cool temperatures that rose rapidly. Budbreak began around 10 April and flowering on 1 June, following rain and warmer conditions. Summer then turned drier and warmer, encouraging thicker skins and increased berry volume. Despite heavy rainfall early in the vegetative cycle, timely intervention and monitoring ensured excellent grape quality and wines with clear character.
Tasting Note
Siepi 2023 is monumentally built, with aromas of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood and tobacco. The palate is full-bodied and structured, combining ripe fruit, savoury spice, polished oak and impressive depth. Sangiovese brings freshness and lift, while Merlot contributes breadth and texture. The wine is powerful yet balanced, with fine tannins and a refined mouthfeel. The finish is very long, bright and persistent.
Food Pairing
Pair with game, braised beef, venison, dark sauces, blue cheeses, truffle dishes, roast lamb, wild mushroom rag? or richly textured Tuscan dishes.
Bottle Shots - Fonterutoli Siepi Toscana 2023
