Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo 2023

Ser Lapo 2023, the Riserva from Mazzei

I find in this Chianti Classico Riserva a balance between ripe fruit, a firm tannic backbone and a freshness that extends the tasting. Sangiovese leads the way, while Merlot completes the blend; twelve months in French oak barrels accompany the wine without masking its aromas of cherry and raspberry. A bottle to take the time to listen to, rather than to open absent-mindedly.

Fonterutoli, in the heart of Chianti Classico

Castello di Fonterutoli is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone, in Tuscany. The Mazzei family is among the region's oldest winemaking families, and its history is closely tied to that of the appellation. The name Ser Lapo pays tribute to an ancestor of the family: a document dated 1435, associated with him, is cited as one of the earliest occurrences of the word "Chianti" to designate a wine. This heritage gives the name of the cuvée a particular resonance, without distracting attention from what is in the glass.

The 2023 vintage blends 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. The grapes are hand-harvested, in several passes, in order to achieve optimal ripeness. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, between 26 and 28 °C, for 15 to 18 days. The wine then spends twelve months in small French oak barrels. This sequence of steps, from harvest to aging, shapes the profile of a Riserva DOCG built around fruit and a structure capable of supporting the tasting.

In the glass, the color is that of a red wine aged in wood; the source does not specify its exact hue any further. The nose opens on ripe red fruits, notably cherry and raspberry, enlivened by subtle touches of violet and gentle spices. On the palate, the structure is elegant, with firm yet well-integrated tannins. The acidity brings a sensation of freshness and highlights the fruity flavors, before a persistent, enveloping finish. The vintage is described as generous in terms of weather conditions, favoring good grape ripeness. I see a red of medium to full body, to be savored slowly to follow the evolution of its nuances.

At the table, with dishes of character

I would serve it with roasted or grilled meat, a herb-braised dish, or pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce: the tannins will find their place alongside generous textures, while the freshness will accompany the fruit of the dish. An aged cheese can also extend the meal in the same spirit. Open the bottle a little before sitting down to the table and give it time to express itself in the glass. This Ser Lapo 2023 suits a dinner where one enjoys taking one's time, returning to the aromas and sharing a Chianti Classico rooted in the winemaking history of the Mazzei family.