Mazzei Concerto Di Fonterutoli 2023

Mazzei Concerto di Fonterutoli 2023, Tuscan balance

I recommend this red for its blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, where the character of the Tuscan terroir meets a generous, structured body. The 2023 vintage is appealing for its profile, both intense and fresh, with notes of black fruit and undergrowth and a finish that lingers. It's a wine to take the time to explore, rather than serve as a simple accompaniment.

Fonterutoli, between hills and woods

The Concerto di Fonterutoli is produced by Mazzei, an estate based in Fonterutoli, in the Chianti Classico zone. The Mazzei family has owned it since 1435: this long history gives the house a particular grounding, without preventing a careful approach to winemaking choices. The wine falls under the IGP Rosso Toscana and blends 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines sit at around 350 meters of altitude, on cool hills surrounded by woods, which shelter them from the summer heat. The grapes are grown with respect for the environment, then selected and hand-harvested at optimal ripeness.

The color is an intense cherry red. The nose opens on black berries, accompanied by a natural freshness and a touch of undergrowth that adds an earthy dimension. On the palate, the wine is rich and juicy; its structure remains harmonious, carried by finely integrated tannins. Aging contributes to this construction: after fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine spends 18 months in small oak barrels, then three months in concrete tanks. This succession gives the tasting several dimensions, without erasing the fruit. The long finish prolongs the flavors and leaves a lasting impression. What I especially appreciate is the interplay between intensity and balance: the wine has presence, but its freshness and measured tannins keep it from heaviness.

At the table, with dishes of character

I would serve it with red meat, game or charcuterie with bold flavors. It can also accompany aged cheeses, including blue-veined ones, as well as a fatty fish: fairly varied pairings that bring out, depending on the dish, either the black berries or the structure of the wine. For a simpler table, a few slices of charcuterie and an aged cheese are enough to open the tasting without trying to compete with its presence. Give it a little time in the glass so its undergrowth notes can unfold, then share it over a meal where people enjoy taking their time. If you're looking for an expressive Tuscan red, with pronounced aging but a juicy, balanced palate, this Concerto deserves a place at your table.