What kind of wine is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Castello Fonterutoli” 2020 - Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Castello Fonterutoli” 2020 - Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli represents the most authentic essence of the Castellina in Chianti territory. Born from a selection of Sangiovese grapes from approximately 50 different plots of the renowned Fonterutoli vineyard, this wine stands out for its elegance, complexity, and deep territorial identity. It is a full-bodied red, with a decisive yet refined character, embodying the winemaking expertise of the Mazzei family, among the oldest and most recognized in the Tuscan wine scene.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions, with well-distributed rainfall and never excessive temperatures. The harvest, which began in mid-September and concluded in early October, allowed for the collection of perfectly ripe and healthy grapes, capable of producing a harmonious and elegant wine. The result is a Chianti Classico with great aromatic finesse, where freshness and structure find an ideal balance.

Winemaking and Aging

Each plot was vinified separately to respect the specific characteristics of each vineyard. After traditional fermentation in steel, maceration on the skins (approximately 18 days) allowed for gradual extraction of tannins and color. This is followed by an aging period of about 20 months in first and second-passage French oak barriques, thanks to which the wine acquires structure and depth without losing the typical freshness of Sangiovese. The final blending occurs only after careful tasting of the individual micro-vinifications.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it presents an intense ruby red with garnet reflections, luminous and deep, typical of great Chianti Classico wines destined for long aging.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses a complex and enveloping bouquet: ripe red fruits, cherry, and plum intertwine with notes of violet, tobacco, sweet spices, and an elegant touch of toasted wood. With evolution, balsamic and mineral sensations emerge, telling the unique terroir of Fonterutoli.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, dynamic, and extraordinarily balanced. The fine and well-integrated tannin supports the structure without being aggressive. The lively acidity gives impetus and freshness, concluding with a long and harmonious finish, leaving pleasant hints of ripe fruit and spices.

With which dishes to pair Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Castello Fonterutoli” 2020 - Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli

This wine prefers pairings with structured and flavorful dishes. Ideal for accompanying:

• Grilled or oven-roasted red meats
• Braised beef and stews
• Game and wild fowl
• Aged hard cheeses, such as Tuscan pecorino

Also perfect as a meditation wine, to be savored slowly, enhancing every aromatic nuance.

Storage and aging: how to store Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Castello Fonterutoli” 2020 - Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli

To best preserve the qualities of this wine, it is important to store it in a cool environment free from temperature fluctuations, keeping the bottle horizontally to keep the cork moist. The ideal temperature is between 12°C and 16°C, with controlled humidity around 70%. Thanks to its structure and the quality of the grapes, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione “Castello Fonterutoli” 2020 has excellent aging potential: if well-preserved, it can evolve positively for over 15 years, developing increasingly complex and harmonious aromas.