2015 Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

• Critics Agree: This is one of the Best Chianti Classicos
  
• Tradition & Excellence Since 1435
• Castellina in Chianti Superstar
  
• 97 Point Vintage, Wine Spectator
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine 

Castello di Fonterutoli is a heritage site in the heart of Chianti Classico. After 40 years of research, the Mazzei family has focused on this wine, which is sourced from over 300 meters of altitude gradient, 120 single vineyards, and 36 biotypes of Sangiovese, of which 18 are exclusive to Fonterutoli. Fermentation involved 120 individual vinifications and aging processes and the final wine, like great Champagne or Port or Bordeaux, is a blend of 50 wines from the best single vineyards. Since its conception, Castello Fonterutoli represents the real star of Chianti Classico.

"Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire." -Gustav Mahler. The Mazzei family has been carrying the torch since 1435 and has a history of producing award-winning wine since its inception. The family's Castello di Fonterutoli Estate was one of the first to produce the globally recognized Chianti Classico. Mazzei remains one of the premier estates throughout all of Italy, with wine production in Tuscany and Sicily.

For 26 generations, the Mazzei family has been producing benchmark Italian wines from their historic Castello di Fonterutoli estate in Tuscany and more recently in Maremma, Sicily, and Veneto. The passion, commitment, and expertise that goes into these expressive wines are a reflection of Mazzei’s spirit of innovation and respect for each property’s unique terroir.

2015 was a great year for Chianti; Wine Spectator awarded this year a 95-point review, where they tell us "Long-lived, powerful and concentrated reds, yet the best have purity and elegance; great value."

Aging: 20 months in small French oak barrels (60% new).

Tasting Notes: 92% Sangiovese, 8% Malvasia Nera and Colorino. Monumentally built, great structure, ripe morello cherry, dried flowers, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish. Drink now with decanting or age through 2035+.

Reviews

~96 Decanter World Wine Awards

~95 Falstaff

Dried violets and lavender, cedar, cloves, vanilla, and tobacco. Full body with ripe and chewy tannins, but this remains focused and dialed-in thanks to mouthwatering acidity. Not to mention beautiful blue fruit that comes to the surface, particularly on the long finish. Drink in 2021. ~96 James Suckling

The Mazzei family was among the first to embrace the Gran Selezione category of high-end Chianti Classico. Their 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli shows the sharpness and detail that wine is supposed to evoke in the best vintages. It opens to a dark garnet color and mid-weight texture. There is ample muscle and power here, but the overall emphasis is on grace and elegance. You really taste those authentic Sangiovese flavors of wild cherry, forest berry, blue flower, and crushed rock. ~94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

~94 I Vini di Veronelli

~94 Doctor Wine, Danielle Cernili

Pretty cherry fruit forms the core of this elegant red, with vivid acidity and refined tannins lifting all the elements. Graphite, leather, tobacco, and earth notes lend complexity as this expands on the long, resonant finish. Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Drink now through 2036. 5,417 cases were made.~93 Wine Spectator

The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is one of the most polished wines in the range. Super-ripe red berry fruit, mint, pomegranate, and floral overtones are all laced together in a lifted, gracious Chianti Classico that is already incredibly harmonious. Creamy and expansive on the palate, with striking textural resonance, 2015 is a winner. ~93, Vinous Media. 

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