MazzeiProducer from Tuscany, Italy

The Mazzei family, owners of the renowned Castello di Fonterutoli, have been integral to the history of winemaking in Tuscany since 1435. Located in the heart of Chianti Classico, the estate has been passed down through 24 generations, maintaining a dedication to producing high-quality wines that express the unique terroir of their vineyards. The family's winemaking philosophy combines respect for tradition with a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The Castello di Fonterutoli estate spans 650 hectares, with 110 hectares dedicated to vineyards. The vineyards are situated in the municipalities of Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, and Radda in Chianti, at altitudes ranging from 220 to 570 meters above sea level. This diversity in elevation, combined with varied soil types, contributes to the complexity and character of the Mazzei wines.

The planting of Merlot in Tuscany:

In 1985, a severe frost devastated many olive trees in the Siepi area. Instead of replanting the olive grove, the Mazzei family, with their rich winemaking heritage, chose to plant grapevines. Inspired by the success of Merlot at the nearby Castello di Ama estate, they decided to cultivate this French varietal on the south/southwest-facing slopes of Siepi, located at an altitude of 220 to 310 meters. The plateau, encircled by lush forests, features a unique soil composition of calcareous marl schist mixed with clay.

The vineyard spans 2.9 hectares for Merlot and 3.1 hectares for Sangiovese. The Merlot is harvested first, typically at the end of August or early September, while the Sangiovese is picked about a month later. The wine undergoes an 18-month aging process in oak, with Merlot aged in French barriques and Sangiovese in 500-liter casks. Recent vintages also benefit from a four-month finishing period in cement tanks. This combination of meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques has resulted in Siepi becoming an iconic wine, celebrated for its elegance and complexity.

A unique mircoclimate:

The vineyards benefit from the unique microclimates of the Chianti Classico region. The soils are primarily composed of Alberese and Galestro, which are rich in limestone and marl. These soil types provide excellent drainage and contribute to the minerality and structure of the wines. The climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, allows the grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors while retaining their acidity.

Siepi: The Iconic Wine

Siepi is perhaps the most iconic wine produced by the Mazzei family. First planted in the early 1980s, Siepi is a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot. This wine exemplifies the innovative spirit of the Mazzei family, combining the traditional Sangiovese with the international Merlot to create a wine of remarkable elegance, power, and complexity. The vineyard is located at an altitude of 260 meters with a south-southwest exposure, ensuring optimal sunlight for the grapes. The Alberese soil provides a unique mineral backbone to the wine.

Siepi is often described as one of the "50 wines that changed Italy's wine style" by Gambero Rosso. The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, followed by a period of maceration to extract color and tannins. It is then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, which contributes to its rich, layered profile and long, bright finish.