Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli, Siepi 2016
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety 50% Merlot, 50% Sangiovese
Vintage 2016
ABV 14%
Discover the Unique Terroir of Siepi Vineyard
The Siepi Vineyard spans 6 hectares in the heart of Tuscany, sitting 260 meters above sea level. With a south to southwest-facing exposure, this prestigious vineyard benefits from maximum sunlight and a unique microclimate, surrounded by ancient oak forests. The soil composition is primarily Alberese limestone, ideal for cultivating premium Sangiovese and Merlot grapes.
The vines, aged between 13 and 26 years, are planted at high density (4,500–6,500 vines per hectare) and trained using Spur Cordon and Guyot systems—techniques known for producing low yields and exceptional quality. This high-altitude vineyard's diurnal temperature variation enhances grape complexity and aromatic intensity.
Traditional Winemaking, Modern Precision
Crafted with passion and precision, Siepi wine undergoes fermentation at 26–28°C with careful maceration:
• Merlot: 14 days
• Sangiovese: 18 days
The wine is then aged for 18 months in 225L French oak barrels, 70% of which are new, giving it a perfect balance of structure, elegance, and oak integration. Bottling took place in July 2018, with a limited production of 35,000 bottles, making it a truly exclusive vintage.
Tasting Notes – A Masterpiece of Tuscan Winemaking
“What a beautiful nose of elderberries, freshly picked blackcurrants, citrus, herbs, licorice, and crushed stones, amidst a backdrop of coffee beans, cedar, and vanilla. Full-bodied and very subtle and refined with tightly wound tannins and an impressive balance of fruit and acidity. Long, grainy, and elegant on the finish. A masterpiece.”
— James Suckling, 98 Points
This critically acclaimed wine delivers layered complexity, fine-grained tannins, and a long, elegant finish, capturing the very essence of its terroir.
Fonterutoli Estate – Historic Chianti Classico Winery Since 1435
Located just 5 km south of Castellina in Chianti, the Fonterutoli Estate sits in the scenic hills overlooking the Val d’Elsa, right in the heart of Chianti Classico, Tuscany. This remarkable wine estate has been owned by the Mazzei family since 1435, making it one of the oldest family-run wineries in Italy.
A Timeless Tuscan Village
Fonterutoli still resembles its original form. a serene Tuscan country village with stone houses, the historic Church of San Miniato, and the Mazzei family villa, built in the late 1500s where a medieval castle once stood. The estate exudes authenticity, tradition, and elegance, a perfect reflection of the wines it produces.
Vineyards & Varietals
The estate spans 117 hectares of vineyards, primarily dedicated to Sangiovese, the noble grape of Chianti Classico. Additional plantings include:
• Merlot
• Colorino
• Malvasia Nera
• Cabernet Sauvignon
Each varietal is carefully cultivated across different parcels, taking full advantage of the estate’s diverse microclimates and soils to create complex, terroir-driven wines.
Sustainable Winemaking & Innovative Design
Fonterutoli’s state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery, designed by architect Agnese Mazzei, blends seamlessly into the landscape. Built with sustainability in mind, the cellar uses natural materials and advanced design to minimise environmental impact while enhancing wine quality through precision vinification.
