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The pioneering Mazzei family, owners of Chianti Classico’s highly esteemed Castello di Fonterutoli, took the helm at the Belguardo estate in Maremma, Tuscany in the 1990s after recognizing the potential for superb quality winemaking in the local terroir. In the years since, the Mazzeis have established a name for Belguardo among the top producers in this exciting, fast emerging wine region.

Belguardo’s logo, fashioned after a geometrical symbol sketched by Leonardo da Vinci, represents a union between precision and perspective. It is emblematic of the Mazzeis’ commitment to combining exceptional growing conditions with centuries of winemaking expertise to yield concentrated, complex wines that are extraordinarily elegant and aromatic.

Production Area
The Belguardo estate is located on the hills between Grosseto and Montiano, about six miles inland from Italy’s west coast at an altitude of 210-400 ft and with slopes between 10-19%. It comprises a total of 70 hectares (173 acres), including 32 hectares (79 acres) of specialized vineyards, making it one of the most important estates in Maremma. The soil is characterized by an elevated presence of limestone and sandstone rocks, with an important backbone and a texture that ranges from medium, with good water retention, to sandy soil with excellent drainage. The plant density in the vineyards varies from 5,500 to 6,600 plants per hectare, mostly with spur cordon and Guyot training. Apart from the unique position of the vineyards, the microclimate is strongly influenced by the vicinity of the sea – 10 kilometers as the crow flies. In particular, there are strong thermals in the spring and summer. The microclimate is characterized by low humidity and below average rainfall. This Morrellino di Scansano comes from the single vineyard, “Bronzone”.

Grape Varieties
90% Sangiovese; 10% Alicante Nero

Vinification
The grapes are hand harvested from August through September and undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 75-84˚F for 7-14 days. The post maceration period is for 0-10 days at 68-75˚F.

Color
Deep crimson

Bouquet
Complex scents of dried cherry, smoke and spice

Taste
Full-bodied and rich, with flavors of dark cherries, raspberries and toast with a pleasant tartness; long, velvety finish