Mazzei Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2022

Mazzei farms the Castello di Fonterutoli estate in the commune of Castellina, in the geographic heart of Chianti Classico DOCG. The vineyards sit on the alberese limestone and galestro marl that define the appellation, stony soils that drain freely and force the Sangiovese vines to root deeply, concentrating fruit and lending the wine its mineral spine. Warm Tuscan days and cool nights extend ripening and preserve the natural acidity that carries Sangiovese. This Gran Selezione, the top tier of the Chianti Classico pyramid, is built from the estate's best Sangiovese with a small share of complementary red varieties. It spends eighteen months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the firm tannins and adds cedar and spice without masking the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose leads with ripe cherry, plum and red berries over tobacco, leather and a savoury earthiness. The palate is full and structured, with fine grained tannins, bright acidity and a long finish marked by oak and dried herbs. Serve at sixteen to eighteen degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast and braised red meat, game and aged hard cheese.