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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. The vineyards are at an altitude of 230-426 ft and with south-southwestern 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 Serrata vineyards varies is 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.

Grape Varieties
80% Sangiovese, 20% Alicante Nero

Vinification
The grapes were hand-harvested from September 12 (Sangiovese) and September 1 (Alicante). The grapes underwent a temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 82-86˚F for 7-14 days and maceration for 14-16 days at 68-75˚F.

Color
Intense ruby red

Bouquet
Aromatic, with scents of ripe cherries, spice and chocolate

Taste
A rich, balanced red. Soft and well-structured with flavors of wild berries, spice and herbs

Alcohol
13.6%