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 location: Altitude: 220 – 510 metres above sea level
Soil: Limestone
Age of vines: 10 – 24 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training
No. of vines per hectare: 4,500 – 7,500
Harvest: Hand picked from 14th September (Sangiovese), from 29th August (Merlot)
Fermentation temperature: 26 – 28° C
Period of maceration: 15 – 18 days
Ageing: 12 months in small French oak barrels (225 litre / 50% new)
Bottling: January 2014
“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 was characterised by high acidity, refined aromas and structured wines over time.” Castello di Fonterutoli
Ruby garnet in colour with aromas of Morello cherry, spice, leather and cigar box. On the palate, Morello cherry shines through along with delicious savoury undertones and a touch of spice. Structured with fine tannins balanced with good minerality and acidity make for a food friendly wine with a rich, long finish.
Pasta with rich/game sauces, stews, grilled red meats, semi-mature cheeses
Ageing potential: Over 10 years
“The 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo is a very good wine, especially within the context of he vintage. Not surprisingly,he 2014 is a bit youthfully austere today, but it makes up for that with fine persistence. Expressive floral and savory overtones and perfume to the dark red stone fruit flavors…“, 91 points, Antonio Galloni – Vinous
“A tighter Ser Lapo Chianti Classico with nut, berries, cherries. medium body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Delicious finish. Drink now.”, 91 points, James Suckling
Chianti Classico
90% Sangiovese
10% Merlot
Natural Cork
13.5%
6.1 g/l
Yes
Yes
