| Foundation Date | 1435 |
| Hectares of Vineyards | 110 |
Castello di Fonterutoli, located in Castellina in Chianti, is one of the most historic and iconic wineries in the Chianti Classico region.
History of Castello di Fonterutoli – Mazzei
The Mazzei family winery boasts a long history in the world of wine. As early as 1398, there is evidence of the commercialization of a wine called Chianti by the Florentine notary Ser Lapo Mazzei, whose name today graces the Chianti Classico Riserva.
In the archives of the city of Prato, there is extensive correspondence between Ser Lapo Mazzei, the progenitor of the family line, and Francesco Datini, known as the “Merchant of Prato”. These documents provide a fascinating glimpse into life in the early Renaissance in and around Florence.
Wine is frequently mentioned in these exchanges. Fonterutoli, a remarkably well-preserved hamlet south of Castellina in Chianti, has belonged to the Mazzei family since 1435. Alongside the name of the hamlet, the name Siepi—another high-quality vineyard block located on the gently sloping hills descending from Castellina towards the plain below—has appeared regularly over the centuries.
The company’s modern trajectory, beginning in the 1970s, owes much to Lapo Mazzei, an enlightened entrepreneur and prominent promoter of Chianti Classico, who served as president of the Consorzio from 1974 to 1994.
Today, the winery is led by brothers Filippo and Francesco Mazzei, who combine tradition and innovation, enhancing the estate with a modern focus on wine quality and environmental sustainability. Filippo, with solid managerial expertise, oversees strategic development and market expansion, while Francesco contributes organizational skills and a structured vision for the company’s growth.
The family also benefits from the contributions of the new generation: Giovanni, specializing in export, represents tradition at the Castello di Fonterutoli; Lapo develops the retail sector with innovative ideas; and Agnese, an architect, designed a state-of-the-art winery, a symbol of sustainability and elegance.
The Terroir of Castello di Fonterutoli – Mazzei
In the past fifteen years, the Mazzei family has expanded its activities, investing in the Maremma (34 hectares of vineyards at their Belguardo estate) and southeastern Sicily (the Zisola estate, with 24 hectares near the baroque city of Noto).
In the Chianti Classico area, the Mazzei vineyards span 110 hectares, distributed across the three municipalities of Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, and Radda in Chianti. The vineyards, facing south and southwest, are divided into five zones, each with unique characteristics: Fonterutoli, Siepi, Badiola, Belvedere, and Coggio.
The soils, rich in alberese and sandstone, lend the wines a distinctive character, earning them the nickname “wine of the stones.” To honor this terroir, the winery maintains low-yield viticulture, ensuring each vineyard’s wine has a distinct personality.
In 2006, the winery completed a state-of-the-art facility designed by architect Agnese Mazzei, who also worked on notable cellars in Chianti, including the Sassicaia barrel room. This innovative winery has been called the “most impressive in Chianti.”
Wines of Castello di Fonterutoli – Mazzei
The main labels of Fonterutoli, in order of importance, are: Poggio Badiola, Fonterutoli Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo, and the Gran Selezione wines: Castello Fonterutoli from vineyards in Castellina in Chianti, Vicoregio 36 from vineyards in Castelnuovo Berardenga, and Badiola from high-altitude vineyards in Radda in Chianti.
Vicoregio 36 is a wine made from 36 biotypes of Sangiovese, the result of a long process of research and selection that took decades of dedication by the estate.
The most recent label, Philip, is a tribute to Filippo Mazzei, a historical figure of the family and friend of Thomas Jefferson, known for his connection to the United States Declaration of Independence.
Concerto di Fonterutoli, a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet, ages for 18 months in small French oak barrels, representing a wine of solid tradition and the estate’s signature style.
Finally, the Supertuscan Siepi, composed of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot, is regarded as a benchmark wine in its category, showcasing the excellence of Tuscan viticulture.
Informazioni & Contatti Castello di Fonteruoli
Indirizzo: Via Ottone III di Sassonia, 5 Loc. Fonterutoli, 53011 Castellina in Chianti (SI)
Telefono: 0577 73571
Sito Internet: www.mazzei.it
e-mail: mazzei@mazzei
Degustazione in Azienda: SI
Vendita Diretta: SI
