In the rolling hills of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico, where ancient vines whisper tales of Renaissance nobility and sun-kissed terroir crafts legends in liquid form, few wines capture the essence of tradition quite like Castello Fonterutoli (link) from Marchesi Mazzei. While its bolder sibling, Siepi, bursts onto the scene as a revolutionary Super Tuscan blend—marrying Sangiovese with Merlot in a defiant nod to international flair—Castello Fonterutoli stands as the steadfast guardian of Chianti’s soul (link). Crafted predominantly from Sangiovese grapes sourced from the same hallowed vineyards that have sustained the Mazzei family since 1435, this DOCG-certified red embodies purity, vibrancy, and an unyielding connection to terroir. It’s not just a wine; it’s a liquid chronicle of 600 years of winemaking heritage, produced at the iconic Castello di Fonterutoli estate, a 14th-century fortress that doubles as a living museum of Tuscan viticulture.
Siepi vs. Fonterutoli: 6 Key Differences
To better understand this chapter, we recommend reading our article „Der Supertoskaner Siepi der Tenuta Mazzei: Ein Toskanischer Klassiker“ (link).
The Mazzei portfolio thrives on duality: Siepi as the audacious innovator, Fonterutoli as the rooted classicist. Born from the same calcareous clay soils of the Fonterutoli estate but diverging in philosophy, these wines offer a masterclass in Tuscan versatility. Below, we outline six striking differences that illuminate their distinct identities, blending historical context, sensory profiles, and practical appeal.
This comparison underscores how Mazzei balances rebellion with reverence, appealing to palates from Bordeaux-inspired boldness to pure Sangiovese subtlety. By examining these facets, enthusiasts can better navigate the estate’s offerings, perhaps starting with Fonterutoli’s approachability before ascending to Siepi’s grandeur.
1. Blend Philosophy: International Fusion vs. Terroir Purity
Siepi’s hallmark is its 50/50 Sangiovese-Merlot split, a deliberate fusion introduced in the 1980s to infuse the indigenous grape’s bright acidity with Merlot’s plush, velvety depth. This creates a wine that’s globally approachable—think ripe blackberry and mocha notes wrapped in approachable tannins—earning it acclaimed as one of Gambero Rosso’s „50 Wines That Changed Italian Style.“ The Merlot component softens edges, adding a layer of exotic allure that has captivated international markets, from New York sommeliers to Asian collectors. In contrast, Fonterutoli adheres to Chianti Classico’s traditional blueprint: 90% Sangiovese, augmented by just 5% each of Merlot and indigenous Colorino/Malvasia Nera for subtle color and spice. The result? A wine of crystalline purity, where Sangiovese’s cherry-pit vibrancy and earthy minerality shine unadulterated, evoking the region’s galestro soils without dilution. For purists, Fonterutoli feels like a direct dialogue with the land; Siepi, a cosmopolitan conversation. This purity extends to the nose, where Fonterutoli’s herbal lift—notes of rosemary and wild thyme—contrasts Siepi’s deeper, fruitier core, making the former a staple for those seeking unvarnished Tuscan identity.
4. Flavor Profile: Opulent Depth vs. Bright Vivacity
Sensory divergence is stark: Siepi’s bouquet erupts with dark plum, espresso, and violet, its palate a tapestry of fine-grained tannins and lingering spice—opulent, almost Bordeaux-like, as critics note its „racy finesse.“ The Merlot lends a silken mouthfeel, with flavors that build to a crescendo of dark chocolate and clove. Fonterutoli counters with high-altitude brightness: sour cherry, wild strawberry, and balsamic hints of sage and tobacco, underpinned by lively acidity and silky texture. Where Siepi evokes a sun-drenched forest floor with chocolate undertones, Fonterutoli channels Chianti’s mineral snap—think crushed rock and fresh herbs—making it more food-flexible for lighter fare. This vivacity stems from Fonterutoli’s higher-elevation parcels (up to 400m), cooling the grapes for that signature Tuscan lift absent in Siepi’s warmer vineyard. In blind tastings, the difference is palpable: Siepi warms the palate; Fonterutoli refreshes it, like a cool breeze through olive groves.
The Tasting
Vinifera-Mundi’s multi-day tasting of five Fonterutoli vintages (2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022) was a meticulous odyssey, each bottle sipped over several days to probe its evolution. This disciplined approach—never rushed, always deliberate—revealed vibrant consistency, from youthful cherry zing to mature balsamic depth, affirming Mazzei’s artistry in crafting Chianti Classicos that age with grace. Their enduring quality, rooted in the Conca d’Oro’s terroir, reflects the family’s 600-year legacy. This rigorous process underscores Fonterutoli’s ability to captivate over time, a testament to its timeless excellence.
Castello Fonterutoli 2010, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
The DOCG Chianti Classico Gran Selezione was only introduced in 2014 (link). The 2010 vintage therefore bears it on its back label but cannot claim it for itself.
92% Sangiovese, 8% Malvasia Nera an Colorino. 14.4% Vol. alcohol, 6.2% acidity. 50 different estate parcels. Handpicked from October 1st. Bottling: February 2013. 60’000 bottles produced.
A classic, structured vintage. Past its peak yet still captivating, the 2010 Fonterutoli offers an open, refined nose of black cherries, red berries, earthy DOCG notes, toast, a hint of liquorice and sweet spices. Its full-bodied, velvety palate expands with pure, complex aromas, carried by lively acidity and subtle tannins. A spicy, flavourful finish lingers elegantly. 17.5-17.75/20 (91-92/100).
Castello Fonterutoli 2016, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
92% Sangiovese, 8% Malvasia Nera an Colorino. 14.44% Vol. alcohol, 6.12% acidity. 50 different estate parcels. Handpicked from September 23rd. Bottling: November 2018. 67’000 bottles produced.
Seductive and profound, the 2016 Fonterutoli Gran Selezione enchants with an intense nose of juicy cherries, dark berries, pomegranate, violets, pepper, cedar, and galestro-driven earthy minerality. Savoured over five days per Vinifera-Mundi’s protocol, its full-bodied palate dazzles with blackberries, prunes, and leather, balanced by vibrant acidity and dense, polished tannins. This youthful Chianti Classico, rooted in Conca d’Oro’s galestro soils, still promises up to two decades of evolution with a beguiling, spicy finish—a grand spectacle. 18-18.5/20 (93-95/100).
That’s it
Fonterutoli’s legacy, woven through six centuries in the Conca d’Oro, embodies Chianti Classico’s timeless allure. From the galestro-rich terroir to Mazzei’s masterful winemaking, this report unveils a journey of elegance and resilience across ten vintages. Vinifera-Mundi’s meticulous five-day tastings of 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022 reveal a spectrum of flavours—from mature liquorice to youthful blackberry—each bottle a testament to the estate’s artistry. The Gran Selezione’s refined complexity, rooted in Castellina’s soils, promises enduring excellence. This exploration, blending expert insights and sensory depth, invites wine lovers to savour Fonterutoli’s narrative. Share your own tasting experiences on Vinifera-Mundi and join us in celebrating Chianti’s enduring saga.
