Siepi 2016

Castello di Fonterutoli

Castello di Fonterutoli is an historic property embracing an entire tranquil, centuries-old hamlet just south of Castellina in Chianti, in the heart of Chianti Classico. The estate has been in the hands of the Mazzei family since 1435, covering 26 generations. This dynamic family has carefully safeguarded the inherent beauty and rich heritage of Fonterutoli, while implementing measures to ensure cutting-edge quality in the vineyards and cellars. Castello di Fonterutoli lies just south of Castellina in Chianti Classico.

Siepi is indicated as a Toscana IGT wine, due to half of it’s blend being Merlot. In fact, the Mazzei’s were one of the first producers to plant Merlot in Chianti Classico. This wine is harvested from 6 hectares in the Siepi vineyard, one of the estate’s best parcels. It’s also one of the oldest vineyards in Italy, with the first recording of its existence in 1435.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES: The Mazzei’s believe the name “Fonterutoli” derives from Latin origin, ‘Fons Rutolae’ or ‘Fons Rutilant,’ meaning clear spring. The area was chosen by the Etruscans to build villages near the water springs. An incredibly diverse area, Fonterutoli covers five main vineyard sites of different terroirs: Fonterutoli, Siepi, Le Ripe, Caggio and Belvedere. Sangiovese finds itself particularly at home in these areas, which are planted at altitudes varying between 750 and 1,800 feet above sea level, at south and southwest exposure. The rocky limestone and sandstone soil structure, high density planting ( avg. 7,000 plants per hectare) and low yields of less than 40 hectoliters per hectare result in the production of complex, elegant and powerful wines.

WINEMAKING: Grapes from the Siepi vineyard are hand harvested from vines aged 18 - 31 years. Separate fermentations for each variety occurs in stainless steel tanks at 7 to 14 day, followed by a maceration period of 14 days for Merlot, 18 for Sangiovese. AGEING 70% of the wines are aged in new French barriques (Merlot: 18 months; Sangiovese: 16 months), then blended and aged an additional 4 months in concrete tanks. The wine is bottle aged for 4 months before release.

TASTING NOTES: Deep ruby red color with purple highlights. On the nose, intense aromas of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, accented by notes of mint and wild herbs. Highly concentrated palate, with sweet, dense tannins and a lush, velvety texture; dark berry fruit flavors mingle with notes of toast and spice

Delivery expected within 4 weeks

Delivery
Items are expected to be delivered within 4 weeks
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Alcohol-abv
14%
Reviews

James Suckling 98 Points, Robert Parker 96 Points, Antonio Galloni 95 Points, Wine Spectator 95 Points

Bottle Format: 75cl

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Ratings

98 Points James Suckling

96 Points Robert Parker

95 Points Antonio Galloni

95 Points Wine Spectator

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Tuscany

Tuscany

One of Italy’s most preferred regions by wine connoisseurs, the region of Tuscany is probably only rivalled for its prestige by Piedmont, in the north. Tuscany contains a number of very fine DOC and DOCG appellations within its geographical borders, and is also home to the Super Tuscans. By far the most relevant Tuscan appellation is Chianti Classico, where some incredible wines that compete at the highest level are produced. Many of these amazing Chiantis will age for over twenty years. Chianti shares Tuscany with Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, both of which produce wines of great quality. Brunello is a local variety of the Sangiovese grape. The warm temperatures coming off the coast, combined with the cool breezes from the hills, create a multitude of microclimates.

DOCG and DOC

IGT: Toscana; Colli della Toscana Centrale; Vermentino di Toscana

DOC: Barco Reale di Carmignano; Bolgheri; Chianti; Elba; Maremma Toscana; Rosso di Montalcino; Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC;Vin Santo del Chianti; Vin Santo del Carmignano

DOCG:Brunello di Montalcino; Chianti Classico; Chianti Classico Riserva; Carmignano; Morellino di Scansano; Vernaccia di San Gimignano; Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Tuscany accounts for over thirty DOC and half a dozen of DOCG wines. In addition to the great, well-known and appreciated reds, the local production includes a few distinguishable whites, the most notable among them being, without doubt, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Other delicious whites include the Bianco d'Elba, Bianco di Bolgheri, Vermentino and Bianco di Pitigliano.

Grape varieties

One of the most well known is Sangiovese the mainstay in all but one of Tuscany's seven red-wine DOCGs. In Montalcino it goes by the name Brunello, hence the name Brunello di Montalcino; in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano it is locally known as Prugnolo Gentile. Chianti, famed the world over, also features Sangiovese, as well as permitting the addition of small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino, and international gems Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. As well as being famed for its reds, Tuscany produces some distinguished whites, one of which has achieved DOCG status: Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Italy