Fonterutoli

Of the 470-hectare estate, 69-hectares are devoted to viticulture, split into four separate vineyards: Fonterutoli, Siepi, Badiola, and Belvedere, all with South of South-Westerly orientations and between 230m and 500m. Yields are restricted to less than 40hl/ha with a planting density over 6,000 vines per hectare. Vineyard husbandry is entirely by hand and the grapes are fermented in conical, stainless steel vats with regular punching-down to enhance tannin extraction. The wine is then transferred into small oak barrels where the malolactics take place with each vineyard and grape undergoing separate vinification.

Their flagship Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico consists of 85% Sangiovese, augmented by 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot and spends 16 months in French barriques (the French varieties two months longer.) Just over 8,000 cases are produced per annum.

The straight Fonterutoli Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese sourced from various clones around the vineyards and spends less time in oak barriques: 12 months, with 70% new oak. Approximately twice as much is produced each year. NEAL MARTIN