Maremma Toscana

Noto - Sicilia

Chianti Classico Our Philosophy

For over six centuries, our family has dedicated itself to winemaking, with a passion and commitment that have been handed down from one generation to the next.

The continuing search for new quality horizons has led us to extend our activities on various enological fronts, branching out from our historic roots, at the Castello di Fonterutoli, in the heart of the Chianti Classico, towards two new and promising locations, in the Maremma region of Tuscany and in Zisola, in southeastern Sicily.

We intend to enhance their expressive potential through the application of our winemaking expertise, while respecting the unique characteristics of each of these splendid “terroirs”.

Our constant adherence to these values is reflected in the quality of all our wines, satisfying the palates of “connoisseurs” the world over, who know they can rely on the name Mazzei to be one of the leaders of the Italian winemaking world. This is the spirit with which we work, in the hope of continuing to merit the esteem of our clients, now and in the future.

The Protagonists

Ser Lapo Mazzei (1350-1412), a winemaker from Carmignano, dedicated to the art of making fine wine, was a Notary of the Florence city government and Proconsul of the Art of Judges and Notaries. His brother Lionardo also cultivated vineyards in Carmignano, in the Grignano estate, where he produced wine according to the instructions of his more expert brother, Ser Lapo. There is a voluminous and quite interesting series of correspondence between Ser Lapo Mazzei and Francesco Datini, the famous Merchant of Prato. The document is rich in juridical and commercial advice and also contains many comments referring to agronomy and oenology. Winemaking, purchasing and storage are recurrent themes in Ser Lapo’s epistles: “don’t concern yourself about the cost of the wine, though it be high: its goodness is restorative.”, he wrote to Datini in 1394, inviting him to overcome his parsimony and appreciate its quality. Ser Lapo Mazzei is also considered the “father” of the Chianti name: he authored the first known document using the denomination, a commercial contract bearing his signature, dated December 16, 1398.

“[…] on this day December 16th (1398) 3 florins, 26 soldi and 8 denari shall be given to Piero di Tino di Riccio for 6 barrels of Chianti wine […] the aforementioned we pay by written letter of Ser Lapo Mazzei”

(Datini Archives)

Filippo Mazzei (1730-1816). An eccentric and restless traveler, intellectually inclined and scholarly, he was asked by his friend Thomas Jefferson, future president of the United States, to plant a vineyard at his estate in Monticello, Virginia. He undertook the journey with a group of vineyard workers and planted the first vineyards in that part of the New World.

“I thank you for your obliging act of the culture of the wine, and I am happy to hear that your plantation of them is in so prosperous a way.”

(George Washington, 1° luglio 1779)

Having remained in America, Filippo got involved in the new nation’s political life, and his ideas regarding equality struck Jefferson, who drew from them one of the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence: “All men are created equal”. For this reason, Filippo Mazzei is considered an “American Patriot”.

Owned by the Mazzei family since 1435, the estate boasts today a total surface area of 650 hectares, of which 117 are devoted to specialized vineyards, divided between five areas: Fonterutoli, Siepi, Le Ripe, Belvedere and Caggio, located at between 230 and 500 meters above sea level and exposed to the south and southwest.

The soil structure is the result of the disintegration of limestone and sandstone boulders and is very rocky, so much so that Fonterutoli wine is also known as “vino dei sassi”, or rock wine.

These conditions require respect for the delicate environmental balance and a production volume of less than 40 hl per hectare, with density of the vines over 7,000 plants per hectare.

The Sangiovese grape, created by careful massale and clonal selection, finds itself particularly at home in the five areas of production, expressing its fullest potential: marked aromas and elegance in the highest areas (Fonterutoli and Le Ripe), structure and potency in the lower ones (Siepi, Belvedere, Caggio).

All the main cultivation operations - pruning, tying, stripping leaves, thinning out the bunches,

Fonterutoli is located 5 km south of Castellina in Chianti (Siena), on the hills facing the Val d’Elsa, in the heart of the Chianti Classico.

Since 143524 generations

harvesting – are done entirely by hand, at different times and in a different way for each section.

The new Fonterutoli Cellar has been in operation since 2006. The project, calculated to have little environmental impact, includes three floors, mostly underground, and was designed “in the family”, by architect Agnese Mazzei. The project, which revolves around the fermentation process, exploits the force of gravity, with grapes being unloaded at the top floor.

Vinification in special steel vats shaped like truncated cones and the punch down system yield an exceptional color extraction with extremely mild, fine tannins and the preservation of all the aromatic components. The barrel cellar is particularly striking, with exposed rock walls, and uses the natural spring that emerges from one for walls, to control the temperature and humidity. All the stages, from fermentation to ageing in wooden casks, are carried out independently for each vineyard and type of grape, to guarantee an ample spectrum of variations.

650 hectares of property

117 hectares of vineyards

5 different terroirs

120 different parcels

sangiovese (80%), Merlot,cabernet sauvignon, Malvasia nera e colorino

41 different biotypes (36 of sangiovese)altitude: froM 200 a.s.l. to 500 a.s.l.

“... The most impressive in the entire Chianti region”

(Steven Spurrier, “Decanter”)

“Concerto” was born in 1981, blended from Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it is one of the forerunners of the phenomenon of the so-called “Super Tuscans”. After a limited edition in 2011, Concerto has been reintroduced in the range with the 2013 vintage.

concertoToscana I.G.T.

18 months 750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l - 6 l

This “chateau” selected from the Estate’s best parcels, harvested and aged separately, in order to outline the biodiversity and the complexity of the 36 biotypes of Sangiovese existing in our estate, make Castello Fonterutoli an unprecedented ambassador of its territory of origin.

Produced with Sangiovese and a small amount of Malvasia Nera, Colorino and Merlot, it is characterized by a balance of elegance and complexity, which make this wine a magnificent example of the “terroir”.

375 ml - 750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l - 6 l

castello fonterutolichIanTI classIco D.o.c.G.

Gran selezIone

fonterutolichIanTI classIco D.o.c.G.

20 months12 months 375 ml - 750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l

the core Wines

Produced with Sangiovese and Merlot grapes, this wine takes the name from the small Romanic church, which from an altitude of 600 meters overlooks the vineyards below. A wine with both versatility and great personality.

With this outstanding Chianti Classico, the Mazzei, proprietors of Castello di Fonterutoli since 1435, celebrate their notable ancestor Ser Lapo, author of the first official document mentioning “Chianti wine” (December 16th, 1398).

While tasting some of our best wines, the sample N°10 struck us for its contemporary character. A blend of mostly Merlot grapes, this wine is the result of decades of research to identify and improve the combination between “terroir” and grape variety.

poggio badiolaToscana I.G.T.

ser lapochIanTI classIco rIserva D.o.c.G.

fonterutoli n°10Toscana I.G.T.

9 months 12 months 12 months750 ml - 1,5 l 750 ml 750 ml

the classic Wines

A unique expression of 40 years of research and devotion to the territory, where 36 different types of Sangiovese have been selected and planted in an experimental single vineyard at Castello di Fonterutoli.

Produced with the finest Cabernet Sauvignon of the Mazzei properties in Tuscany, this wine is the expression of two worlds: the historical one of Fonterutoli in Chianti Classico and the contemporary one of Belguardo in Maremma, and it reflects the revolutionary spirit of Philip Mazzei.

Mix 36Toscana I.G.T.

philipToscana I.G.T.

20 months 24 months750 ml - 1,5 l 750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l - 6 l

the liMited edition Wines

With this outstanding Chianti Classico, the Mazzei, proprietors of Castello di Fonterutoli since 1435, celebrate their notable ancestor Ser Lapo, author of the first official document mentioning “Chianti wine” (December 16th, 1398).

ser lapo “riserva privata”chIanTI classIco rIserva D.o.c.G.

15 months 750 ml

the specialties

500 ml

12 months

Made with olives of the Frantoio, Leccino, Moraiolo and Pendolino varieties, processed in total oxygen absence in our own new olive press, this oil displays extraordinary organoleptic and nutritional properties.

olio extra vergine di oliva fonterutolichIanTI classIco D.o.p. 250 ml

500 ml

The high quality pomace of Castello di Fonterutoli and the skill and expertise of Master Distiller, combine to produce this grappa of great personality and elegance, the natural complement to the range of Fonterutoli wines.

grappa castello di fonterutolichIanTI classIco

This exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the ultimate expression of the “terroir” of Fonterutoli. A continuing commitment and dedication to the olive grove contribute to the unique personality and subtle nuances of this “cru”.

olio extra vergine di oliva castello di fonterutolichIanTI classIco D.o.p.

250 ml

Siepi dates back to just under six hundred years ago, when the Siepi and Fonterutoli lands were first acquired 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 flocked to the vineyard from all over Tuscany to beg for cuttings to take home and graft onto their own vines. Siepi has always produced wines of superior structure and sophisticated elegance. The huge job of individual selection that allows the Castello di Fonterutoli today to boast an unparalleled viticultural heritage began in the Siepi vineyard.

From one of the Chianti Classico’s oldest

vineyards

750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l - 6 l - 12 l

siepiToscana I.G.T.

The Mazzei were one of the first families in the Chianti Classico area to have the foresight in the early 1980s to plant Merlot as the ideal grape to complement Sangiovese. Siepi was chosen to host this experiment on account of the particular composition of its soil, made up of calcareous and marl schist mixed with very advanced clays, that brings out the best in this uniquely opulent grape variety. The inevitable result of this move was that Siepi became the vineyard destined to forge the most important “cru” of the entire estate.

The Siepi vineyard’s exposure is unique, situated as it is on a plateau that is well lit throughout the day and that is surrounded by an oak forest, creating the perfect micro-climate with major differences in temperature between day and night.

With its first harvest dating back to 1992, Siepi is the first Tuscan “cru” to have assembled Sangiovese and Merlot in equal proportion.

“Cru” produced from Sangiovese and Merlot grapes grown in the 6 hectares core parcel of the Siepi vineyard, situated at an altitude of 260 m (853 ft). Concentration and complexity make it a wine with an authentic and unique temperament.

18 months

The Belguardo estate is located in the Tuscan region of Maremma, nestled in the splendid hills between Grosseto and Montiano, near the coast. Purchased by the Marchesi Mazzei in the ‘90s, its 32 hectares of specialized vineyards make it one of the largest Estates in the area regarded as Tuscany’s “new frontier” of winemaking.

In line with their philosophy of enhancing the natural qualities of a “terroir”, the Marchesi Mazzei have applied an intensive cultivation program, with a careful selection of national and international grapes, to which they have added an interesting research program involving original grapevines from the area.

Thanks to the excellent soil and climate, which benefit from the neighboring sea, Belguardo wines display incomparable structure and temperament.

The Tuscan new frontier

The soil, characterized by an elevated presence of limestone and sandstone rocks, combined with the Vineyard’s proximity to the sea, produces a full structured wine, sapid with spicy notes and a charismatic character.

tirrenoMareMMa Toscana rosso D.o.c.

750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l12 months

estate’s Wines

Produced with Sangiovese grapes from the estate’s most suitable vineyard, is a Morellino di Scansano “Cru”. Powerful and also warm and enveloping, it gives new astonishing territorial sensations to this noble variety.

bronzoneMorellIno DI scansano rIserva D.o.c.G.

14 months

This indigenous blend of Sangiovese and Alicante grapes is exceptionally rich, aromatic and pleasurable. It represents the most intriguing and innovative expression of the Tuscan Maremma wine area.

serrataToscana I.G.T.

10 months 750 ml - 1,5 l750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l

Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and a small percentage of Cabernet Franc grapes, this powerful and elegant wine is the most important “Cru” of the Estate, the maximum expression of its native exceptional “terroir”.

tenuta belguardoMareMMa Toscana rosso D.o.c.

18 months 750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l

estate’s Wines

This important wine reflects the production philosophy of the Marchesi Mazzei. Produced from Vermentino, it boasts personality, structure and smoothness accented by pleasant yellow peach notes.

The result of an advanced research project, Codice V embodies the most unique characters of the Vermentino grape from the Tirrenean coast. A sunny, very savory and mineral wine, Vermentino’s code according to Mazzei.

belguardo verMentinoverMenTIno DI Toscana I.G.T.

codice vverMenTIno DI Toscana I.G.T.

750 ml - 1,5 l 750 ml

With this wine, the Mazzei family has realized its wish of crafting an outstanding rosé wine of singular style. This marriage of Syrah and Sangiovese is uncompromisingly vinified, yielding a floral and intensive rosé accented by succulent fresh fruit notes.

belguardo roséToscana I.G.T.

750 ml

estate’s Wines

Zisola is situated in southeastern Sicily, near Noto, the famous Baroque jewel-box, in the Nero d’Avola mother-country: a land rich in history and natural beauty, protected by Unesco as a cultural heritage site.

In this enchanting spot, the Marchesi Mazzei found unexpressed potential. Surrounded by a charming scenario of olive trees, citrus groves and almond trees, the “gardens” of Zisola are perfectly placed, with their vines cultivated in the traditional, highly demanding, “alberello” style.

The special characteristics of the soil and the proximity to the coast create exceptional microclimatic conditions, resulting in the production of extraordinary wines, characterized by aromas, finesse and personality.

The Sicilian challenge

Made with Nero d’Avola grapes expertly aged in small oak barrels, it is an elegant wine, persistent and aromatic which underscores the exceptional enological characteristics of the micro-area.

zisolasIcIlIa noTo rosso D.o.c.

estate’s Wines

Made from Sicily’s indigenous Nero d’Avola blended with Syrah, all rigorously bush trained, this wine shows an elegant and complex personality. The name “Doppiozeta” (Double Z) highlights the “core” of the Mazzei name.

doppiozetanoTo rosso D.o.c.

10 months 750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l 16 months 750 ml - 1,5 l - 3 l

the specialties

From Moresca, Ogliarola Messinese and Nocellara Etnea “cultivar”, growing in the “gardens” of Zisola, a special olive oil is obtained: a triumph of aromas and flavours, which exalt the temperament of the territory.

olio extra vergine di oliva zisolaMonTI IbleI - val Tellaro D.o.p.

500 ml

500 ml

12 months

From the knowledgeable hand of Master Distiller comes a truly unique grappa. Grappasessanta is produced using an exclusive method that includes aging in small barrels. The result is a powerful, complex yet at the same time smooth grappa.

grappasessantasIcIlIa

This wine, 100% Petit Verdot, expresses the potential of a great single-variety that meets the unique characteristics of Noto “terroir”, creating a wine intriguing and rich with personality.

effe eMMeTerre sIcIlIane I.G.T.

16 months 750 ml - 1,5 l

estate’s Wines

Azisa, the word that gives rise to the name Zisola, also means “beautiful”, an adjective that describes in one single word the character of this wine made from grapes of Grillo and Catarratto.

azisasIcIlIa D.o.c.

750 ml

WINE TASTING

Enoteca di Fonterutoli offers the opportunity to taste fine wines in a modern setting to visitors. The wines are produced in the wineries’ vineyards: Castello di Fonterutoli (Chianti Classico), Belguardo (Maremma Toscana) and Zisola (Sicily).

These wines reflect their proud origins, in a balanced blend of quality, elegance and character.

Also available for tasting are the Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Fonterutoli (Chianti Classico Dop) and Zisola, as well as grappas.

GUIDED TOURS

For those who want to deepen their knowledge of our estate, and see our production firsthand, we have various visit and tasting programs including the possibility to tour the impressive new facility.

INFORMATIONS & BOOKING Tel. +39 0577 741385 - Email: enoteca@fonterutoli.it

Wine tours and tastings

Osteria di Fonterutoli offers a traditional Tuscan dining experience using only the freshest ingredients from local producers. Our menu changes every few weeks to reflect this seasonality and excellence in quality. You can enjoy our outside terrace with views of olive groves, vineyards, and the rolling Tuscan countryside.

Our B&B di Fonterutoli offers 12 country-chic rooms inspired by the colors of Chianti. All the rooms are located in the historic homes of the Fonterutoli hamlet, the true heart of the estate for centuries, and provide the special feeling of “living in a Tuscan country village”.

Osteria: INFORMATIONS & BOOKING Tel. +39 0577 741125 - Email: osteria@fonterutoli.it

B&B: INFORMATIONS & BOOKING Tel. +39 0577 735790 - Email: hospitality@mazzei.it

Hospitality