IPSUS 2019

There’s a chance this could be even better than the 2018. - James Button, Editor’s Pick, Decanter

IPSUS 2019 is a blend of 16 spontaneous micro-vinifications aged for 26 months in 70% new tonneaux, 20% in 15hl barrels and for the first time, the remaining 10% was aged in ceramic vats. Once the blend takes place, the wine spends another six months in ceramic vats, followed by 14 months in bottle before release. With a total ageing of almost four years, this is a serious step up for Chianti, making IPSUS rivalling with Italy’s most sought-after wines.

Ipsus' Story

Giovanni Mazzei’s personal project, IPSUS is the result of years of research. After identifying the cooler plots in the Il Caggio estate, in the heart of Chianti, six were selected and planted with the most suitable clones of Sangiovese which derive from half a century of research. Grapes are micro vinified with careful maceration to get the best reflection of the terroir and, create a high-end expression of Sangiovese which combines vibrant aromas and a silky texture.

'My family's passion has always been about making emotive, complex fine wines. With IPSUS, I wanted to go beyond, and take the bounty of nature and our ancient expertise to create a pure and exquisite expression of Sangiovese that showcases the wondrous terroir of the region that I'm so proud to be a part of. I want Ipsus to be electric, vibrant, and the tannins to be silky and elegant’ - Giovanni Mazzei

The first vintage to be released was 2015 which made its debut swooping great scores from international wine critics and was referred to as a modern Italian ‘Cru’ in Decanter Magazine. The vintages just keep getting better with the latest 2019 rated as the best edition made so far in Robert Parker’s magazine. The vintage was marked by a big variation of temperature between days and nights in September, resulting in fruits incredibly deep in flavour.

Vineyard & Vinification

The 6.5 hectares of vines are located on the ridge of a sun-drenched hill in Castellina in Chianti. Il Caggio is situated at an altitude of 310 and 361 meters above sea level, with vineyards exposed partially southeast and the majority southwest. The soil is composed mainly of calcareous clay and marly limestone from the Upper Cretaceous era.

Vinification: 16 micro-vinifications
Fermentation: 10 days, spontaneous in steel vats without added yeasts
Maceration: 24 days with submerged cap
Malolactic: spontaneous and complete
Aging: 70% in tonneaux (100% new), 20% in 15 hectolitre barrels, and 10% in ceramic vats for 26 months
Finissage: 6 months in ceramic and 14 months in bottle
Tonnellerie: Barrels made by their artisans in Burgundy and Austria

Ipsus 2019 - The Growing Season

The winter recorded average temperatures, with scarce rainfall and an unusually mild end of February. During spring and summer, thunderstorms and occasional showers allowed our vineyards to create an abundant water reserve for the year, consequently achieving an excellent initial phenological development.

The warm and regular beginning of summer, led to a generous veraison. September, characterized by beautiful sunny days and strong temperature excursions, allowed for optimal grape ripening, giving birth to wines characterized by their lively acidity, elegant tannins and intense aromas of small red fruits, blackberries, and wildflowers.

The grapes of IPSUS were in perfect condition, thanks to a light leaf-thinning at the beginning of September, we were able to wait for optimal ripening in all the parcels of the clos. The result is a high-quality wine, with a perfect balance between acidity, power and freshness. An intense and complex nose, with hints of ripe red fruit, spices, and floral notes. In the mouth, it is soft and dynamic, with a long and persistent aftertaste that leaves a pleasant sensation of freshness.

Ipsus 2019 - The Scores

The 2019 has received phenomenal scores with an average of 97.3 points, the highest to date. IPSUS may still be in its early days with only four vintages released, but it is fair to say this is a masterpiece on its path to become a legend. Reserve your allocation now.

Ipsus is the personal project of Giovanni Mazzei of the renowned Tuscan family, and is located just up the hill from the main winery in Castellina-in-Chianti. This 2019 is notably different from the superb 2018 (which, re-tasted at the same time, is absolutely flying right now!); the result of vintage as well as a tireless desire to adjust and refine the process. Giovanni explained that the difference was made in September, when the day-night temperatures fluctuated by almost 30°C, giving the fruit ‘incredible depth’ of flavour. The wine is a blend of 16 spontaneous micro-vinifications in stainless steel, with a 24-day submerged-cap maceration. For the first time, a 10% portion is matured in ceramic, along with 20% in 15hl barrels and 70% in new tonneaux. The wine is then blended and finished in ceramic for six months, followed by 14 months in bottle. Richer and darker in character than the 2018, the 2019 is slightly funky and wild, opening with super-fragrant pomegranate and potpourri, with an intense plummy, dark fruit core and silky tannins. It's soft yet vertical and sapid, with a long, creamy finish of savoury depth. Beautiful texture and incredible vibrancy. - 98 points Decanter

I have closely followed this wine since its first edition in 2015, and although the brand continues to expand on what is so far a limited track record, this is the best edition made thus far. A special project put forth by the Mazzei family of Castello di Fonterutoli, the Caggio 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus is a very etched and linear wine with an extreme sense of minimality and definition that I find irresistible. Notes of graphite and pencil shaving are followed by wild fruit, blue flower and melting tannins. The wine is light on its feet. The 2019 vintage set the stage for spot-on phenolic ripening with bright primary fruit that was submitted to some time in clay vessels followed by tonneaux and botte. In terms of fermentation, the team is moving away from punch-downs to embrace more delicate submerged cap instead. The 2019 vintage is slightly more concentrated compared to 2018, with a darker quality of fruit. Some 4,500 bottles were made. - 97 points Monica Larner, Robert Parker

I love the aromas of cherry, orange peel and sandalwood here. Classy and aromatic. Full-bodied with tight and polished tannins that are precise and centered. It goes on for minutes on the palate. Needs time to open but already beautifully balanced. From 30-year-old vineyards on average. Drink after 2027. - 97 points James Suckling

Shows fine purity and intensity, from the focused cherry, raspberry, underbrush and iron aromas and flavors to the skilled use of new oak for structure, texture and hints of vanilla and toast. Opulent, yet sleek, powerful and stylish, this red is complex and long. - 97 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator