The Mazzei family is one of Tuscany’s oldest wine dynasties and they have been cultivating vineyards and crafting fine wine for over 600 years in the heart of Chianti Classico. Leading the portfolio today are the Marchesi Mazzei, brothers Francesco and Filippo, as well as Filippo’s son Giovanni, the 25th generation, who are pursuing innovation that elevates their wines and protects their ecosystem. All the estates are farmed with a commitment to reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainability. This balance of preservation and evolution is rooted in the Castello di Fonterutoli, the historic family seat. The grapes for this single vineyard offering come from one of the oldest vineyards in Italy, with records dating to 1435. The vineyard sits on a well-lit plateau surrounded by oak forests, a unique microclimate for both Sangiovese and Merlot. The Merlot plantings were added in the early 1980’s as the ideal complement to the indigenous Sangiovese. Siepi delivers wines of superior structure and sophisticated elegance. VINTAGE NOTES The 2021 harvest was smaller than average due to minimal winter precipitation. Spring brought adequate rainfall. A long, hot summer with good diurnal temperature swings lead to a rewarding harvest of grapes with thick skins and well-ripened phenols, which produced rich wines with superior structure balanced with freshness. TECHNICAL DETAILS Appellation: Toscana IGT Composition: 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot Vineyard: Siepi is a single vineyard with south-southwest exposure Elevation: 850 feet (260 m) Soil: Alberese, calcareous marl and schist mixed with sandstone and clay Maturation: 18 months in French oak barrels (70% new); 3 months finishing in concrete tanks Alcohol: 14.6% Pack: 6/750ML in wood box TASTING NOTES A sophisticated, well-structured wine with an intriguing mélange of elder, plum, dark berries, sandalwood and tobacco, and a finish of elegance and length. Pairs well with rich, textured dishes including game meats, hearty vegetables and dark sauces.
The 2021 Siepi is impressive. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and mocha are nicely dialed up. This plush, succulent Sangiovese/Merlot blend is quite the charmer, as it so often is. The 2021 is exceptionally elegant and polished, certainly one of the best editions in recent memory. All that said, my view is that Siepi would benefit from longer aging in wood and or glass, as it is released too early for a wine of its stature and potential.
This top-shelf wine from Mazzei is a blend of 50-50 Merlot and Sangiovese. The Sangiovese goes into tonneaux and the Merlot ages in 70% new barrique for 18 months. The 2021 Siepi (in a heavy glass bottle) opens to sweet fruit nuances of cooked cherry, blackberry preserves, cinnamon and nutmeg. This full-bodied wine is supple and very soft in terms of mouthfeel, and its flavor profile is expansive and all-encompassing. This wine is balanced and seamless, and the 2021 vintage is certainly one of the best editions of Siepi we've seen so far. This exciting 30,000-bottle production will go to market in September 2023.
The nose is savory, warm and tangy, with aromas of hot tar, balsamic glaze, espresso, dried figs and blackberries. On the palate, black cherries and dark chocolate enhance that rich blackberry note, while undertones of bitter citrus pith provide balance. Tannins are polished, but grippy, especially as heat creeps up on the finish. This remains a benchmark for its elegance, but also for the sheer pleasure it delivers. Drink 2028–2041. — Danielle Callegari
Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved
 Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Return Policy
Powered by WineFetch
|
|
