2016 - Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Castello Fonterutoli (Mazzei)

The Mazzei family was one of the first and most enthusiastic advocates of the Gran Selezione movement. Their 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is a crowning achievement for this storied Chianti Classico winery. From an iconic vintage, this blend of 92% Sangiovese and 8% Malvasia Nera, aged in new and neutral oak for 20 months, shows sharp and delineated lines. Black fruit, plum and cherry intermingle with spice, tobacco and tilled earth. The wine shows zest and energy at its core. An ample 67,000 bottles were made.

The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is one of the most expressive wines I have tasted from the estate. Beautifully perfumed, layered and nuanced, the 2016 has so much to offer. Lavender, spice, menthol, ripe red/purplish fruit and rose petal grace this translucent, beautifully detailed Chianti Classico. The 2016 is a jewel of a wine.

Made from a blend of 36 clones of Sangiovese harvested from 50 different parcels from Castello di Fonterutoli’s best vineyards. The grapes are fermented at 26–28 °C and undergo a period of maceration for 15–18 days. The finished wine is aged for 20 months in small French oak barrels. Mid crimson. Lifted and a little more concentrated than a regular Chianti Classico might be – French-oak influence? Nice drink but not necessarily preferable to something more classic. (JR)