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 2008 Chianti Classico Castello di Fonterutoli is impressive, especially considering the less than ideal growing conditions of the year. The 2008 is a decidedly cool, inward Castello built on minerality, verve and structure. Sweet black cherries, plums, tobacco and earthiness add complexity on the persistent finish. It will be interesting to see how this develops in bottle. Drink: 2014 - 2023." Robert Parker 91 (2008) - Wine Advocate # 196. Aug 2011. Reviewer : Antonio Galloni.

 
     

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