Fonterutoli (Mazzei), Castello
Summary
Castello Fonterutoli, owned by the Mazzei family since 1435, operates 117 hectares of vineyards across four properties in Chianti Classico, focusing primarily on Sangiovese grown in galestro and alberese soils at elevations between 220-500 meters. Their winemaking balances tradition with innovation through their gravity-flow winery featuring 36 different-sized fermentation tanks for parcel-specific vinification, maintaining the distinct characteristics of 120 identified vineyard parcels while continuing their multi-generational commitment to terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Castello Fonterutoli, owned by the Mazzei family since 1435, stands as one of Italy's oldest wine producers with a documented history spanning nearly six centuries. The estate, located in Castellina in Chianti, has remained under continuous family ownership for 24 generations, making it a remarkable example of viticultural continuity in Tuscany.
The current leadership structure places Filippo Mazzei as CEO, working alongside his brother Francesco and father Lapo Mazzei, who together guide the company's strategic direction. Under their stewardship, Castello Fonterutoli has expanded its vineyard holdings while maintaining its historical connection to the land.
A significant milestone in the estate's recent history came in 2006 with the completion of a gravity-flow winery, designed to minimize mechanical intervention in the winemaking process. This facility, built partially underground to maintain natural temperature control, represented a substantial investment in quality-focused production infrastructure.
The Mazzei family's historical significance extends beyond winemaking—Filippo Mazzei, an ancestor who lived in the 18th century, was a friend of Thomas Jefferson and contributed philosophical ideas that influenced American independence, a connection the family maintains with pride.
Vineyards & Wines
Castello Fonterutoli's vineyard holdings encompass 117 hectares spread across four distinct estates in Tuscany. The primary vineyards surround the medieval hamlet of Fonterutoli in the Chianti Classico zone, with additional properties in Belguardo (Maremma) and Zisola (Sicily).
The Fonterutoli estate vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 220 to 500 meters above sea level, creating a diverse range of microclimates. The soils consist predominantly of galestro (schistous clay) and alberese (limestone), classic Chianti Classico terroir that contributes to wine structure and minerality.
Sangiovese dominates the plantings, accounting for approximately 80% of the vineyard area, with the remainder dedicated to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and small amounts of native varieties like Malvasia Nera and Colorino. The estate has identified 120 distinct vineyard parcels, each vinified separately to preserve site-specific characteristics.
The flagship wine, Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, represents the estate's pinnacle expression of Sangiovese, while Siepi—a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot first produced in 1992—showcases the estate's innovative approach. The portfolio also includes Concerto, one of Tuscany's first Super Tuscan wines, created in 1981.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Castello Fonterutoli centers on expressing territorial identity while embracing technological precision. The 2006 gravity-flow winery enables gentle handling of grapes and must, with 36 fermentation tanks of varying sizes allowing for precise parcel-by-parcel vinification.
Temperature-controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with maceration periods tailored to each wine—typically 15-18 days for Chianti Classico and up to 30 days for Gran Selezione and Siepi. Aging protocols vary by wine: the Chianti Classico spends 12 months in French oak barrels (10-30% new), while Gran Selezione ages for 18-24 months in a combination of tonneaux and larger barrels.
The estate practices sustainable viticulture, focusing on biodiversity and reduced chemical interventions. Water conservation measures include a rainwater collection system that supplies the winery's needs, while solar panels provide a portion of the facility's energy requirements.
Research forms a core component of the Mazzei approach, with ongoing experimentation in Sangiovese clonal selection. The family has identified and propagated several proprietary Sangiovese clones from their oldest vineyards, preserving genetic material that contributes to the distinctive character of their wines.