Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli, Siepi 2020
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety 50% Merlot, 50% Sangiovese
Vintage 2020
ABV 14.5%
Experience one of Tuscany’s most prized wines – Siepi Toscana IGT – crafted from the exceptional 2020 vintage. This limited-production Italian red wine is made from meticulously hand-harvested Merlot and Sangiovese grapes grown on a unique 6-hectare vineyard plateau, surrounded by oak forest at 260 meters elevation.
Vineyard
Located in the heart of Chianti Classico, the Siepi vineyard features south/southwest-facing slopes, Alberese-rich soils, and a high diurnal temperature range, ideal for producing complex, age-worthy red wines. With vines aged between 13 and 26 years and dense planting (4,500–6,500 vines/ha), the vineyard benefits from expert spur cordon and Guyot training systems.
2020 Vintage Summary – A Winemaker’s Dream
The 2020 growing season in Tuscany was marked by:
• A cool spring and moderate rainfall
• Long, hot summer days with cool nights
• Ideal ripening conditions thanks to June and September rains
• No major pest or disease threats
Despite slightly lower yields due to April frost, the vintage produced small, thick-skinned berries with intense colour, rich phenolics, and outstanding balance. A standout year for collectors.
Winemaking Process – Traditional Meets Modern
• Hand-harvested: Merlot (Sept 7), Sangiovese (Sept 21)
• Fermentation: 26–28°C in stainless steel tanks
• Maceration: 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese)
• Aged 18 months in French oak: 70% new barrels
o Barriques for Merlot
o Tonneaux for Sangiovese
• 3 months fining in concrete tanks
• Limited production: 29,000 bottles
Tasting Notes – 98 Points by James Suckling
“Graphite and lead pencil is coming through, together with violets and blackberries. Some tar and asphalt, too. Full-bodied, yet creamy and crunchy, with agile liveliness that goes on for minutes. Fabulous length. Drinkable already, but will age gracefully for decades.”
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, 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.
