Castello di Fonterutoli is an historic estate in Località Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti in the Chianti Classico DOCG region of Tuscany. It has been owned by the Mazzei family since 1435 and is part of the Marchesi Mazzei group of wineries. Fonterutoli still preserves its original aspect of a tranquil country hamlet, consisting of a few houses, the Church of San Miniato and a villa that replaced the fortified castle of the Middle Ages.

Contact: Amministratore Delegato: Filippo Mazzei (son of Lapo Mazzei) and Francesco Mazzei (also son of Lapo Mazzei).

Vineyards: Castello di Fonterutoli covers a total area of 470 hectares (1,161 acres), of which 69 hectares (170 acres) are vineyards. These are divided into 120 vine blocks across four separate production zones called Fonterutoli, Siepi, Badiola, and Belvedere. Altitudes range from 230 to 500 meters (755-1,640 feet). Exposure is to the south and southwest. Planting densities have been progressively raised to over 6,000 vines per hectare (2,429 vines per acre).

Winery: Space-age style. Cone-shaped, stainless steel vats. Underground wine cellar with three levels.

Winemaking: Carlo Ferrini consults.

Red wines

Toscana Rosso, Poggio alla Badiòla: Entry-level red. 2011 60% Sangiovese, 40% Merlot. Smoky vanilla oak aroma, simple fruit, anonymous, tasted blind (DWWA 02nd May 2013).

Toscana Rosso, Concerto: 2015 80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Toscana Rosso, Siepi: From the Siepi vineyard. 6 hectares (14.8 acres) of Merlot and Sangiovese (50% each). 260 metres (866 feet). S-SW facing. 2010 20,000 bottles.

Chianti Classico DOCG, Fonterutoli: The estate’s second wine. | 2017 90% Sangiovese, 10% Malvasia Nera, Colorino and Merlot. Fluid and clear fruit, easy to get to grips with (Anteprima 2019).

Chianti Classico DOCG, Castello di Fonterutoli: Mainly Sangiovese.

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, Ser Lapo: Dedicated to the Mazzei’s ancestor Ser Lapo, author of the first official document mentioning “Chianti wine” dated December 16th, 1398. | 2009 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot. Weighty mix of oak and fruit (DWWA 2013).

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, Ser Lapo Riserva Privata: 2009 First made in 2009. A selection of the best lots from the Ser Lapo Riserva, above.

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Castello Fonterutoli (sic): 2016 92% Sangiovese, 4% each Colorino and Malvasia Nera.

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Poggio alla Badiola: 2017 100% Sangiovese.

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Vicoregio 36: 2017 100% Sangiovese.

Contact

Castello di Fonterutoli

Loc. Fonterutoli, Via Ottone III No.5

53011 Castellina in Chianti (SI), Italy

Tel+39 0577.73571 | Website: www.mazzei.it

Bibliography

Bill Nesto MW & Frances Di Savino, Chianti Classico, the Search for Tuscany’s Noblest Wine, (University of California Press, 2016).