Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2023

Fonterutoli Chianti Classico is a red from DOCG Chianti Classico made by the Mazzei family, whose ancestor Ser Lapo first recorded the term Chianti for a Tuscan wine. The wine is grown at the Castello di Fonterutoli estate near Siena, in the heart of the zone, and is led by Sangiovese with Colorino and Malvasia Nera. Known locally as vino dei sassi, the wine of the rocks, it comes from poor stony soils that force the vines to work for water and yield concentrated, structured fruit. Chianti Classico's hills bring warm days and cool nights, a swing that keeps Sangiovese's high acidity bright and its red fruit fresh. After fermentation the wine ages twelve months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the firm tannin and adds spice and a savoury frame without burying the fruit. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows cherry and fresh blueberry with sweet earth, iris, thyme and a savoury oak note. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with the high acidity and fine tannin typical of Sangiovese and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits tomato-based pasta, grilled red meat and mushroom dishes.