2016 Fonterutoli - Concerto

The 2016 vintage saw a rainy early season (more than double the rainfall of the year before) and a warm but not overly hot summer, with strong day-night temperature differences, encouraging aromatic complexity and polyphenols. In the glass this translates into a more serious, structured wine, still with the vivid jewel-like colour that is such a signature of Sangiovese from the Chianti region. The Cabernet character is most clear here compared to all the wines in the vertical, majoring on black cherry, cassis, brambled fruits, with tobacco leaf and slate minerality, giving it a little less estate signature, but a pleasing reminder of its history as one of the original Super Tuscans. Carlo Ferrini consulting winemaker. Marchesi Mazzei.

Grapes are grown at 260–550 m on rocky limestone and sandstone soils. Vines aged 15–30 years. This blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented at 26–28 °C for up to 18 days and then aged for 12 months in small French oak barrels. Marked acidity and lots of tannin. Definitely chewier than the Gran Selezione. Still quite hard work. (JR)

The 2016 Concerto di Fonterutoli is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 225-liter French oak for 18 months. The Cabernet Sauvignon element comes through nicely with dark fruit, spice and some grilled herb. The grape gives the wine a heavier and more concentrated center of gravity. However, the soul and style of the wine is driven by the freshness and delicate aromas of the Sangiovese. Production is 37,000 bottles.