Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo 2022

Castello di Fonterutoli, run by the Mazzei family, is among the names that drove the quality revival of Chianti Classico in Tuscany. Ser Lapo is a Riserva led by Sangiovese with a portion of Merlot from the estate's hillside vineyards. The galestro and alberese soils of Chianti Classico, friable marl and limestone, stress the vines and lend Sangiovese its high acidity and savoury, earthy character, while the Merlot adds flesh and ripe roundness to the blend. The Riserva category requires longer ageing, and the wine spends twelve months in French oak; slow oxygen exchange through the barrel softens Sangiovese's firm tannins and adds cedar and spice that frame rather than cover the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe cherry and plum over violet, tobacco and dried herbs. The palate is medium to full bodied, the acidity bright and the tannins firm and savoury, with leather and oak spice through a long finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. The bright acidity makes it a natural with tomato-based dishes and grilled red meats.