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: Siepi 6 hectare vineyard. 260 metres above sea level. South south-west exposure
Soil: Mainly Alberese
Vineyards age: 13 – 26 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training and Guyot
No. of vines per hectare: 4,500 – 6,500
Harvest: Hand picked from 26th August (Merlot), from 21st September (Sangiovese)
Fermentation temperature: 26 – 28°C
Period of maceration: 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese)
Ageing: 18 months in small French oak barrels (225 litre / 70% new)
Bottling: June 2013
2011 was a challenging growing season in Tuscany due to shortage of rain and high summer temperatures. Yields were reduced in order to maintain quality standards. The alcohol is slightly higher than usual but the wines retain the balance expected from the Fonterutoli range.
This single vineyard wine, from one the best vineyards on the property, shows a remarkable combination of intensity and elegance, displaying ripe black berry fruit, dark chocolate, mocha and spice characters. It is complex in structure with supple tannins, great concentration and a very long finish.
Rich meat dishes, roasts, game, blue cheese.
Ageing Potential: Over 20 years
IGT Toscana
50% Sangiovese
50% Merlot
Natural Cork
14.5%
6.5 g/l
