Marchesi Mazzei Siepi Toscana IGT

Siepi is the flagship wine of the Castello di Fonterutoli estate, produced by the Mazzei family in Castellina in Chianti. It pairs Merlot and Sangiovese in equal measure. The vineyards sit at about 260 metres on mainly alberese soils with south-south-west exposure; harvesting is manual and fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled steel vats. After maceration the wine matures for 18 months in small French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new wood, then completes ageing in concrete vats. It shows important structure with freshness and complexity, with aromas of elderflower, plum, small fruits, sandalwood and tobacco, and a long, defined finish. It suits rich, structured dishes, dark sauces, game and blue cheeses. The first vintage was 1992 and its ageing potential exceeds twenty years.