"One of the 50 wines that changed Italy wine style" (Gambero Rosso)
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.50% |
Total acidity 6.00% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 23 - 36 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from September 5th (Merlot), from September 17th (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C, in stainless steeel tanks |
Period of maceration 14 (Merlot), 18 (Sangiovese) days |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (70% new): Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese) |
Finissage 3 months in concrete tanks |
Bottling June 2023 |
Available on the market October 2023 |
Production 34.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt - 12 lt - 18 lt |
Cases 6 bottles wooden box (750 ml), single wooden case (other formats) |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
|
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
Wine Advocate 96 Pts | James Suckling 97 Pts | Jane Anson 97 Pts | Decanter 95 Pts |
The 2022 harvest year was characterised by a mild winter, but with scarce rainfall. Springtime temperatures where initially within the average for the period, and then gradually rose; this increase allowed for the homogenous and constant vegetative growth of the plants. The budding stage on Sangiovese vines began around the 10th April, and was found to shift based on the different pedoclimatic characteristics of our vineyards. The high temperatures and low rainfall accompanied the formation and subsequent flowering of the inflorescences, which took place on the 16th May, up to fruit-setting of the clusters.
The summer was also particularly dry, giving the grapes unique characteristics: the exposure of the clusters to high temperatures from the very first stages of their growth thickened the skins, ensuring the grapes held up well during the ripening stage.
In terms of plant-protection, the paucity of rainfall, combined with the high temperatures and humidity levels within normal values, allowed using a targeted approach against the principal grape plant diseases and pests.
Overall, the harvest was more than satisfactory in terms of health of the grapes, with a reduction of the volume produced, due to the scarce rainfall, that affected the weight of the grape clusters.
Beginning of the harvest: September 1st, 2022
End of the harvest: October 6th, 2022
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 440-621 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 5.455,39 °C
Evaluation: Good
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.66% |
Total acidity 6.34% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 23 - 36 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from September 10th (Merlot), from September 24th (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C, in stainless steeel tanks |
Period of maceration 14 (Merlot), 18 (Sangiovese) days |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (70% new): Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese) |
Finissage 3 months in concrete tanks |
Bottling June 2023 |
Available on the market October 2023 |
Production 34.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt - 12 lt - 18 lt |
Cases 6 bottles wooden box (750 ml), single wooden case (other formats) |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
|
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
Vinous 96+ Pts | Jane Anson 96 Pts | Decanter 97 Pts | Wine Advocate 96+ Pts |
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.50% |
Total acidity 6.20% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 21 - 34 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from September 7th (Merlot), from September 21st (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C, in stainless steeel tanks |
Period of maceration 14 (Merlot), 18 (Sangiovese) days |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (70% new): Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese) |
Finissage 3 months in concrete tanks |
Bottling July 2022 |
Available on the market October 2022 |
Production 29.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt - 12 lt - 18 lt |
Cases 6 bottles wooden box (750 ml), single wooden case (other formats) |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
|
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
James Suckling 98 Pts |
Decanter 96 Pts |
Falstaff 98 Pts |
Winescritic.com 97 Pts |
Jane Anson 97 Pts |
Vinous 99 Pts |
Wine Advocate 96 Pts |
The winter of 2020 was cold with moderate rainfall. After a cool spring with adequate, well-spaced showers, the wide diurnal temperature range over the long hot summer was sufficient to ensure a smooth and problem-free ripening of the grapes. The process was also helped by rains in June and September which reduced water stress, and by an absence of pests or disease.
A season characterised by average temperatures and well-spaced rainfall gave rise to a highly satisfying harvest of top-quality grapes. With their thick skins and well-ripened phenols, these grapes will produce wines which combine fullness and structure with balance and freshness.
The one less positive note was a lower yield due to a few cold nights in early April which affected bud burst in areas where this took place early.
Beginning of the harvest: September 7th
End of the harvest: October 7th
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 468 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3608 °C
Evaluation: Very good
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.69% |
Total acidity 5.88% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 21 - 34 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from September 18th (Merlot), October 1st (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C, in stainless steeel tanks |
Period of maceration 14 (Merlot), 18 (Sangiovese) days |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (70% new): Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese) |
Finissage 4 months in concrete tanks |
Bottling June 2021 |
Available on the market October 2021 |
Production 35.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt - 12 lt - 18 lt |
Cases 6 bottles wooden box (750 ml), single wooden case (other formats) |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
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Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
Vinous 99 Pts |
Falstaff 98 Pts |
James Suckling 98 Pts |
Winescritic.com 97 Pts |
Jane Anson 97 Pts |
Livets Goda 97 Pts |
Wine Advocate 96 Pts |
Wine Spectator 96 Pts |
Decanter 96 Pts |
I Vini di Veronelli 95 Pts | 3 Gold stars |
Bibenda 5 Grapes |
AIS Vitae 4 Vines |
Gambero Rosso 3 Red Glasses |
The 2019 harvest recalled the great vintages of the 1980s. This was a 'classic' year, with nature and nurture coming together to create something truly exceptional. Winter temperatures were below average and rainfall was low, with unusually warm weather at the end of February. However, stormy squalls through spring and late into summer replenished the water table and made up for the lack of winter rainfall. They also slowed down plant development in the early stages.
The summer was consistently hot, but without extreme temperatures or excessive rainfall. September continued fine, with a significant range in diurnal temperatures.
No pathogens compromised the excellent health of the grapes. Bud fruitfulness was within the norm and the good condition of the foliage showed just how well balanced the plants were in this extremely fine year.
By harvest time the grapes were perfect, thanks to the prevailing climatic conditions and the leaf removal which was carried out in early September. Both these factors contributed to optimal ripening of all grapes across our various production zones.
Beginning of the harvest: September 4th
End of the harvest: October 17th
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 590 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3580 °C
Evaluation: Outstanding
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.53% |
Total acidity 5.90% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 20 - 33 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from August 12th (Merlot), September 22nd (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C, in stainless steeel tanks |
Period of maceration 14 (Merlot), 18 (Sangiovese) days |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (70% new): Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese) |
Finissage 4 months in concrete tanks |
Bottling June 2020 |
Available on the market October 2020 |
Production 38.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt - 12 lt - 18 lt |
Cases 6 bottles wooden box (750 ml), single wooden case (other formats) |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
|
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
Winescritic.com 97 Pts |
James Suckling 97 Pts |
Vinous 97 Pts |
Falstaff 96 Pts |
Wine Advocate 96 | 95 | 94 Pts |
Livets Goda 96 Pts |
Decanter 95 Pts |
Wine Spectator 94 Pts |
AIS Vitae 91 Pts | 4 Vines |
Bibenda 5 Grapes |
The 2018 vintage was characterised by a dynamic winter, with northern currents in December and February and a mild climate in January, with abundant rainfall, both of snow and rain, which offset the serious water deficit of the previous years. Spring brought about temperatures above the seasonal average together with abundant rainfall. The budding was early but showed no problems.
From 10 June on, temperatures started to rise again and, in the Chianti Classico area, the summer was good with uniform rainfall. July and August were as usual, while September was marked by a series of sunny days with a large temperature range between day and night, which allowed the grapes to reach the correct phenolic and aromatic ripeness. In short, this harvest was very satisfying harvest from a quantitative and, especially, a qualitative point of view.
Beginning of the harvest: September 12th
End of the harvest: October 8th
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 491 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3666 °C
Evaluation: Very good
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.20% |
Total acidity 6.70% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 19 - 32 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from August 31st (Merlot), September 13th (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C, in stainless steeel tanks |
Period of maceration 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese) |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (70% new): Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese) |
Finissage 4 months in concrete tanks |
Bottling June 2019 |
Available on the market October 2019 |
Production 29.500 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt - 12 lt - 18 lt |
Cases 6 bottles wooden box (750 ml), single wooden case (other formats) |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
|
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
Falstaff 98 | 97 Pts |
Decanter 96 | 92 Pts |
Vinous 96 Pts |
James Suckling 95 | 94 Pts |
Livets Goda 94 Pts |
Wine Advocate 94 | 91 Pts |
I Vini di Veronelli 94 Pts |
Wine Spectator 92 Pts |
Bibenda 5 Grapes |
AIS Vitae 4 Vines |
The 2017 harvest was unparalleled thanks to climatic events which followed one another in an unusual and extraordinary way.
After a frost on 20 April, in spring and summer there was little rainfall and summer temperatures reached high peaks, thus leading to water stress, with a reduced swelling of the grapes and a clear drop in the weight of the bunches in general.
The harvest began well in advance on the earliest vines. As regards Sangiovese, we courageously decided to wait for the September rains, when about 130 mm rain fell in 20 days together with a considerable lowering of the temperature (with minimum values dropping to 5 ° C), which gave a twist to the remaining grapes on the grapevines.
Therefore, the grapes had a heterogeneous quality, with peaks of excellence, a global level well beyond the expectations. 2017 is one of the classic vintages where the achievement of important results requires much experience and a careful management of each vineyard through the adoption of a customised approach to each parcel.
Beginning of the harvest: 21 August
End of the harvest: 28 September
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 257,6 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3638,45 °C
Evaluation: Good
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.56% |
Total acidity 6.15% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 18 - 31 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from Sept. 10th (Merlot), from September 27th (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C |
Period of maceration 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese) |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (70% new): Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese) |
Finissage 4 months in concrete tanks |
Bottling July 2018 |
Available on the market October 2018 |
Production 35.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt - 12 lt - 18 lt |
Cases 6 bottles wooden box (750 ml), single wooden case (other formats) |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
|
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
James Suckling 98 | 97-96 Pts |
Livets Goda 96+ Pts |
Wine Advocate 96 Pts |
Falstaff 95 | 94 Pts |
Vinous 95 Pts |
Decanter 95 Pts |
I Vini di Veronelli 95 Pts |
Doctor Wine 94 Pts |
Wine Spectator 93 Pts |
Bibenda 5 Grapes |
Mild and rainy winter with temperatures above the seasonal averages; spring and early summer rainy as well. At the end of June the rain stopped and the temperatures rose, thus marking the beginning of summer on 21 June.
The summer was characterised by warm but generally not hot days, with changes in the temperatures during the day influencing the quality of the grapes. At the end of August and especially from the middle of September to the first week of October, greater changes in the temperatures between the day and the night have been observed, alongside with a long-term stability, thus creating the ideal conditions for the ripening of the bunches with the accumulation of aromatic substances and polyphenols culminating with the great quality of the 2016 vintage.
Upon the harvest, the grapes were globally healthy and the refinement in the cellars proved the high quality of the grapes picked up.
Beginning of the harvest: 10 September
End of the harvest: 11 October
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 484.4 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4,240.2°C
Evaluation: Outstanding
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.37% |
Total acidity 6.38% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 17 - 30 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from Sept. 8th (Merlot), from September 23rd (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C |
Period of maceration 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese) |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (70% new): Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese) |
Bottling January 2017 |
Available on the market October 2017 |
Production 38.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt - 12 lt - 18 lt |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
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Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
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James Suckling 98 | 97-96 Pts |
Falstaff 97 Pts |
Livets Goda 95+ Pts |
Wine Spectator 95 Pts |
I Vini di Veronelli 95 Pts |
Wine Advocate 93+92 Pts |
Vinous 92 Pts |
ErGentili 92 Pts |
Bibenda 5 Grapes |
Gambero Rosso 3 Red Glasses |
The vintage 2015 was characterized by a rainy winter which resulted in a good supply of water. A mild spring and an hot summer.
Some rainfall in late July and after mid August led to a drop in temperatures, which have established the ideal conditions for the good ripening of the grapes with the accumulation of aromatic substances and polyphenol, ideal to produce a balanced wine, rich in structure, with complex aromas and long aging potential.
Beginning of the harvest: 7/09
End of the harvest: 8/10
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 228mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3739°C
Evaluation: Very Good / Outstanding
Winery Castello di Fonterutoli |
Winery location Chianti Classico, Toscana |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.29% |
Total acidity 6.88% |
Vineyards location Siepi (Castellina in Chianti): 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 15 - 28 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from Sept. 11th (Merlot), from September 28th (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C |
Period of maceration 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese) |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (225 lt / 70% new) |
Bottling September 2015 |
Available on the market March 2016 |
Production 30.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
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Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
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Wine Advocate 95+ | 94 Pts |
James Suckling 95 Pts |
Falstaff 95 Pts |
Livets Goda 94+ Pts |
Doctor Wine 93 Pts |
Vinous 93 Pts |
Wine Spectator 92 Pts |
I Vini di Veronelli 91 Pts |
Wine Enthusiast 91 Pts |
AIS Vitae 4 Vines |
Gambero Rosso 3 Red Glasses |
The winter months were characterized by average temperatures, with days well under 0°C degrees; the rainfall during the first 7 months was 35% above the average quantity, especially in July, when several storms led to a particularly high attention on the plant health defense.
The ripening of the grapes processed gradually, taking the right time for a slow and perfect maturation, that facilitates the synthesis of the quality elements with accumulation of the polyphenols. The condition of high temperature range between night and day especially took place in the middle of July and August.
The year was particularly demanding from the agronomic point of view, but the quality of the grapes was definitely pleasing.
Beginning of the harvest: Sept. 26
End of the harvest: Oct.12
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 290 mm (11.4 inches)
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3582°C
Evaluation: Good
Appellation Toscana IGT |
Winery location Loc. Fonterutoli - Commune of Castellina in Chianti (SI) |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 13.99% |
Total acidity 7.38% |
Vineyards location Siepi: 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 14 - 27 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from Sept. 10th (Merlot), from October 1st (Sangiovese)) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C |
Period of maceration 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese) |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (225 lt / 70% new) |
Bottling December 2014 |
Available on the market 2nd semester 2015 |
Production 14.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, dark chocolate flavors, strong and neverending aftertaste |
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
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Falstaff 98 Pts |
James Suckling 98 Pts |
Wine Advocate 93-92 Pts |
Migliori Vini d'Italia 93 Pts |
Wine Spectator 92 Pts |
Wine Enthusiast 91 Pts |
Bibenda 5 Stars |
AIS Vitae 4 Vines |
Anomalous weather during the winter period, where there were very few precipitations with a snowfall in February. The months of June, July and August have been characterized by an almost total absence of rain, with temperatures above the seasonal average. A decisive change in weather in the last week of August and the first seven days of September gave a positive turn to the season; there were a significant drop in temperatures for both minimum and maximum temperatures, allowing the plants to resume "work" in an optimal manner and consequently arrive to the ripening of the grapes in very good conditions. The grapes have not had any problems and have arrived to the cellar in optimum conditions. This vintage from a quantitative point of view, gave us a reduction of about 25% -30% of the grapes compared to the previous years. The agronomical judgment on the vintage is on average good, with peaks of excellence for some of the Sangiovese grapes.
Beginning of the harvest: Aug.29
End of the harvest: Oct.10
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 369,8 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3723°C
Evaluation: Very good
Appellation Toscana IGT |
Winery location Loc. Fonterutoli - Commune of Castellina in Chianti (SI) |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.50% |
Total acidity 6.50% |
Vineyards location Siepi: 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil "Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 13 - 26 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from Aug. 26th (Merlot), from September 21th (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C |
Period of maceration 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese) |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (225 lt / 70% new) |
Bottling June 2013 |
Available on the market February 2014 |
Production 20.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, dark chocolate flavors, strong and neverending aftertaste |
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
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Falstaff 95-94 Pts |
Wine Advocate 94-90 Pts |
James Suckling 93 Pts |
Wine Spectator 92 Pts |
Vinous 92 Pts |
Perfect performance until the end of July / first week of August, given the high rainfall during the winter / spring which created excellent water reserves in the soil; the most critical moment was the middle of August to first week of September due to two extreme heat waves. Two providential rainfalls on July 27 and early September allowed the vines to resume their activities of synthesis of metabolites in the berries; further help came after the first week of September, by the sudden lowering of temperature in the evenings thus creating a greater temperature range.
The quality of the grapes from a health point of view was exceptional, given the almost total absence of rot. From the analytical and taste point of view, the grapes were very rich in sugars, but with great differences in the maturation and quality of the grapes is the diversity of "micro-terroirs".
Beginning of the harvest: Aug.25
End of the harvest: Sep.30
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 181 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3692°C
Evaluation: Good
Appellation Toscana IGT |
Winery location Loc. Fonterutoli - Commune of Castellina in Chianti (SI) |
Grape varieties 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot |
Alcohol 14.40% |
Total acidity 6.50% |
Vineyards location Siepi: 260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp. |
Soil "Mainly Alberese |
Vineyards age 12 - 25 years |
Training system Spur cordon-training and Guyot |
Nr. of vines per hectar 4,500 - 6,500 plants |
Harvest Hand picked starting from Sept. 16th (Merlot), from October 8th (Sangiovese) |
Fermentation temperature 26 - 28°C |
Period of maceration 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese) |
Ageing 18 months in small french oak barrels (225 lt / 70% new) |
Bottling November 2012 |
Available on the market 2nd Semester 2013 |
Production 20.000 bottles |
Formats 750 ml - 1,5 lt - 3 lt - 6 lt |
First vintage 1992 |
Ageing potential Over 20 years |
Key description Monumentally built, dark chocolate flavors, strong and neverending aftertaste |
Food pairing Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, blue cheeses |
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Falstaff 96 Pts |
Wine Advocate 95-93 Pts |
Vinous 94 Pts |
James Suckling 94 Pts |
Doctor Wine 92 Pts |
The winter period was characterized by temperatures below average with heavy rain and 3 snow storms; spring was cool and wet. From the end of June, the entry of a large area of high pressure brought a long period of sunny and dry weather with peaks of high temperatures in the last week of July which were slightly above the average for the period. The maturation continued throughout the period of September in a very slow and regular manner; the harvest was completed at the end of October (precisely 26/10). The final evaluation is intended to be an exceptional vintage for us, both regarding the quality of the grapes that have a good range of phenolic content and extraction with the potentials of a great vintage for longevity and aging of wines.
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 488,0 mm (19.2 inches)
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3421,7°C
Evaluation: Outstanding
Prodotto in Italia | Allergeni: contiente solfiti
The combination of these two cépages produces a perfectly balanced wine.
The sangiovese plot is south facing with a 12% gradient and is situated at an average heigth of 240 mt. above sea level. The plot's Sangiovese biotypes have been carefully selected to bring concentration and complexity to the wine along with good acidity for long ageing. The Merlot plot is south-west facing with a 5% gradient and is situated at an average height of 250 mt. above sea level. Merlot sets off Sangiovese to perfections, complementing its stern elegance with its opulence, softness and colour.
La Storia di Siepi
Siepi dates back to just under six hundred years ago, when the Siepi and Fonterutoli lands were inherited by the Mazzei family in 1435. A document in the family archives in Fonterutoli lists Siepi among the assets belonging to Madonna Smeralda Mazzei, describing it as "a piece of land adjacent to the house, with olive trees, vines and oaks...", making it unquestionably one of the oldest recorded vineyards in Italy. Over the centuries Siepi began to be celebrated for the quality of its Sangiovese, to the point where numerous wine-growers floeked to the vineyards from all over Tuscany to beg for cuttings to take home and graft onto their owne vines. Siepi has always produced wines of superior structure and sophisticated elegance. The huge job of massal selection, that allows the Castello di Fonterutoli today to boast an unparalleled viticultural heritage, began in the Siepi vineyard.