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Castello di Fonterutoli, one of Italy’s most prestigious wine producers, is situated on a historic property embracing an entire tranquil, centuries-old hamlet just south of Castellina in Chianti. The estate has been in the hands of the Mazzei family since 1435 and is today led by Lapo Mazzei and his sons, Francesco and Filippo. This dynamic family has carefully safeguarded the inherent beauty and rich heritage of Fonterutoli, while simultaneously implementing measures to ensure cutting-edge quality in the vineyards and cellars.

The spectacular Fonterutoli property today comprises 470 hectares, of which 79 hectares are devoted to four distinct vineyard sites: Fonterutoli, Siepi, Badiola and Belvedere. The Sangiovese grape finds itself particularly at home in these four areas, which are planted at altitudes varying between 750 and 1,640 feet above sea level, at south and southwest exposure. The rocky limestone and sandstone soil structure, high density planting (7,000 plants per hectare) and low yields of less than 40 hectoliters per hectare result in the production of complex, elegant and powerful Sangiovese wines.

Production Area
Fonterutoli’s Siepi single vineyard, Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany. Located in the township of Castellina in Chianti, on the hillside facing the Val d’Elsa, at an average altitude of 250 meters with southern/southwestern exposure, the vineyards cover a total of 22 hectares, planted with Sangiovese (60%), Merlot and a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon. The soil is of medium texture and clayey, with a presence of some gray and olive gray calcareous marl and calcareous sandstone.

Grape Varieties
50% Merlot, 50% Sangiovese

Vinification
The grapes are hand harvested between August (Merlot) and September (Sangiovese) and undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 24 to 29 degrees Celsius fro 7 to 14 days with a maceration period of 0 to 10 days at a temperature of 20-24 degrees Celsius. The resulting wine is aged 18 months in new French barriques. The resulting Merlot wine is aged 18 months in new French barriques while the Sangiovese is aged 16 months in new French barriques. The Merlot and Sangiovese are then blended and rest in bottle prior to release.

Color
Deep ruby red with purple highlights

Bouquet
Intense aromas of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, accented by notes of mint and wild herbs

Taste
Highly concentrated, with sweet, dense tannins and a lush, velvety texture; dark berry fruit flavors mingle with notes of toast and spice

Alcohol
14.2%