2018 Marchesi Mazzei Castello Di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany

Castello di Fonterutoli has been owned and run by the Mazzei family for almost 600 years so it is one of the most historic wine producers in Italy. It’s a home of generally dependable Chianti with a couple of exceptional wines that are worth hunting down. This is quite a modern example of Chianti Classico but also still sticks with a traditional recipe of Sangiovese with a dash of Malvasia Nera and Colorino. Deeply coloured, there is an array of fruits of the forrest to start before diving into more terracotta and dried herbs with a liberal dash of vanillin French oak. The palate is more reserved, although mouth filling and vibrant, and has clearly settled in for the long haul thanks to its understated power and balance of fruit and structure. Put it down for a decade to see this wine at its best.

94 points Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot

The Mazzei 2018 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli shows a classic bouquet with tart berry fruit, forest floor, bitter almond, blue flower, cola and grilled herb. The wine presents a classic, cool-vintage profile that suits Sangiovese very nicely as it pulls out the bright, red berry energy that is inherent to this variety. The acidity and bright fruit presented here would make a great companion to chicken roast with potatoes.

92 points Monica Larner, Robert Parker Aug 2020 Drink 2020-2026

A tight, linear red with plums and hints of walnuts and herbs. Some bark, too. Medium-bodied, tight and juicy with a chewy undertone. Some orange peel. Slightly austere now, but a lovely foil to food. Drink or hold

92 points James Suckling

Few estates carry the weight of history quite like Castello di Fonterutoli. The Mazzei family has been making wine in Tuscany since 1435, spanning more than six centuries across 25 generations, and today Filippo Mazzei leads the charge with a clear focus on site expression and modern precision. Set in the heart of Chianti Classico, their vineyards stretch across a patchwork of elevations and soils, from galestro to alberese, giving this wine both depth and nuance.

Sangiovese is firmly at the core, and it shows. Bright red cherry and wild strawberry come through first, followed by dried herbs, a touch of violet and that unmistakable savoury edge that defines great Chianti. There is a gentle layering of spice and cedar from oak, woven in rather than sitting on top.

The palate is lively and structured, with fine tannins and fresh acidity carrying the fruit through a long, detailed finish. There is a beautiful balance between ripeness and restraint, the kind that keeps everything feeling energetic and food friendly. A subtle earthy note lingers, adding another layer of complexity.

This is made for the table. Classic pairings like pappardelle with slow cooked ragù, bistecca alla Fiorentina, or wood fired pizza with prosciutto and mushrooms all work beautifully. It also shines with grilled lamb or roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil and herbs.

It will drink well now with a bit of air, but five to ten years in the cellar will bring more savoury depth, with notes of leather, tobacco and dried herbs emerging as the tannins soften.