Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Mix 36 Toscana is a blend of the 36 different Sangiovese clones planted on the property. Layers of ripe red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice caress the palate as this silky, totally refined wine opens up in the glass. The 2008 impresses for its elegant personality and sense of refinement. Although the wine is delicious today, I am curious to see how it develops in bottle, as the fruit is still very primary. This is an impressive showing from Fonterutoli. The Mix 36 spent 18 months in 500 liter barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028.
This is a solid set of new releases from the Mazzei family and long-time consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini.
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James Suckling
A red with plum and currant character with chocolate undertones. Full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity finish. Focused and well done. Chewy. Blend of different Sangiovese clones from Castello di Fonterutoli. Muscular wine.
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Wine Spectator
Aromas of smoke, toast and vanilla meet up with black cherry, plum and spice flavors in this powerful red. Fresh and balanced, leaning a little toward the charred oak. Needs air now, or time in the bottle. Sangiovese. Best from 2014 through 2020.
Established in 1435, the Mazzei family is one of Tuscany’s oldest wine dynasties and they have been cultivating vineyards and crafting fine wine for over 600 years in Fonterutoli in the heart of Chianti Classico. Leading the portfolio today are the Marchesi Mazzei, brothers Francesco and Filippo, as well as Filippo’s son Giovanni, the 25th generation. Notable ancestors include Ser Lapo Mazzei, author of the first known document (1398) using Chianti to reference the wine and region and Philip, an Italian turned American patriot whose friendship and correspondence with Thomas Jefferson inspired the idea that “all men are by nature equally free and independent,” which influenced the Declaration of Independence.
While the family has always honored their legacy, producing acclaimed wines of extraordinary aromatic richness, balance and complexity, they are also leaders in viticulture and vinification. The winery’s vineyards cover 110 hectares across 7 sub-zones of Chianti Classico featuring different soils, altitudes (720-1870 feet) and micro-climates. All their vineyards are farmed with customized organic practices that focus on soil health, preservation of biodiversity, reduction of copper use, and absorbing 5x more CO2 than is expressed out; a true commitment to reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainability. From their state-of-the-art low-impact, gravity fed cellar to their massal selections and clonal research, the current generation pursues innovation that elevates their wines and protects their ecosystem. This balance of preservation and evolution is also found in the family’s estates in Maremma (Belguardo) and Sicily (Zisola).
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.