Mazzei Siepi Toscana 2019

Castello di Fonterutoli is a storied estate that has been in the hands of the Mazzei family since the 15th Century.  Siepi Toscana is a stunning blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot, yielding an intense, yet herbaceous wine sure to captivate any Italian wine enthusiast. The Siepi Toscana has always been one of the more consistent Super Tuscans and is a favorite of many industry insiders.  The Mazzei family has a long, multi-generational relationship with wine and cultivating one of the indigenous varietals to the Chianti district, Sangiovese.  In fact, one of the first documented references to Chianti was penned by Ser Lapo Mazzei, the author of the first known document to use the Chianti denomination in 1398.   The Mazzei family has championed the Chianti district for centuries, producing fascinating wines that highlight the richness of the terroir and indigenous varietals that grow there.   

Castello di Fonterutoli had humble origins as a tranquil property just south of Castellina in Chianti.  The estate has been within the Mazzei family for over 26 generations.  One of the most noteworthy owners of the property was Philip Mazzei, a passionate grape-grower and intellectual.  Philip Mazzei worked in London as a wine merchant and befriended important historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  Philip mentored the late president Thomas Jefferson and taught him how to grow vines at his estate in Monticello.  Interestingly enough, it was Philip that inspired Thomas Jefferson with the idea, “All men are by nature equally free and independent,” which was later transformed into the phrase, “All men are created equal,” in the Declaration of Independence.  The property is currently overseen by Lapo Mazzei and his sons, Filippo and Francesco.  Always being at the forefront of viticulture within the Chianti district, the Mazzei family were among the first to plant international varietals like Merlot and mix them with indigenous varietals during the Super Tuscan movement that sparked a winemaking revolution in the 1980s. 

The number one priority for the Mazzei family is keeping the historic tradition alive, while constantly evolving to create the best possible wine.  Lapo and his sons prioritize sustainability and never use any chemical weed killers on site.  The vines grow in ledge-shaped terraces and only organic waste is used to fertilize them. Siepi is considered a “Cru” made with Sangiovese and Merlot Grapes.  The wine derives its namesake from a 6 hectare vineyard that has been owned by the family since 1435.  This sunny portion of the vineyard has a unique microclimate and a mixture of clay and marl soils, which provides both the Merlot and Sangiovese vines the perfect mixture of great drainage and nutrients during drought-heavy years.

In 2006, the Mazzei family finished construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art cellar dug into the rock of the surrounding mountains.  The winery is entirely a gravity-flow facility, ensuring the final blend is nothing short of soft and supple, with a long, lingering finish.  It is truly a stunning and dynamic wine.
 

"The 2019 Siepi continues a trend towards greater finesse and nuance in this wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, licorice and plum meld together effortlessly in the glass. Dense and layered, with striking detail, the 2019 is so impressive. The flavors are bright, bold and punchy. An exceptionally beautiful and riveting wine, the 2019 is rich and concentrated, but not at all heavy. What a total knock-out." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Ratings: 99, Drink: 2025-2044

"This is a really racy and fine Siepi with currant, black-cherry and dark-chocolate character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with very long, intense tannins that are linear and fine-textured. Really builds on the palate. Super structure. Finesse with power. Try after 2024 and onwards." - James Suckling, Ratings: 98, Drink: 2024-2035