Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG

Wine information: Owned by the Mazzei family since 1435, the Fonterutoli estate is unique in Tuscany and centred around the eponymous hamlet five kilometres south of Castellina in Chianti. The estate measures around 500 hectares in total and is divided among four key production areas: Fonterutoli, Siepi, Badiola and Belvedere. Another exponent of the ‘Château’ concept, the Fonterutoli portfolio starts with the estate’s first wine, Castello di Fonterutoli, a riserva style ‘super’ Chianti Classico, which was awarded the Tre Bicchieri (three glasses) award this year for the 2007 vintage, and is joined by the second wine, Fonterutoli Chianti Classico. The renowned Siepi (Sangiovese/Merlot) is a Super-Tuscan single vineyard expression heralded as among the top releases from Italy in any given year – and a deserved Tre Bicchieri (three glasses) winner in 2010. Their Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Ser Lapo’ recently bagged 5 stars in Decanter Magazine. The vineyards are located in Fonterutoli at Castellina and La Badiola at Radda. They are all south/south west facing. The harvest took place between 7-18th October and was harvested by hand, as all the vineyard work at Fonterutoli is. After destemming, fermentation was at 30oC for 15 days for good extraction of flavour and colour. The wine spent 8-12 months in small Slovenian oak casks followed by 6 months in bottle before release. 90 % Sangiovese; 5% Malvasia Nera, Colorino; 5% Merlot.

Tasting Notes: Dark, richly coloured ruby / garnet. Perfumed nose of black cherry and spice with hints of woodsmoke and tobacco. Full, ripe tannins, integrated acidity and a long finish.

Food & Wine match: Will complement roast leg of lamb with rosemary, lemon, and garlic with roast potatoes or beef tenderloin with spring vegetables.

Reviews: "The 2009 Chianti Classico is beautiful in this vintage. Sweet dark cherries, cola and spices caress the palate as this juicy Chianti opens up in the glass. The fruit tends towards the darker end of the spectrum and the style is decidedly modern, but it all works nicely here. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. 89+ points" Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate (196)

 
     

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