Mazzei Siepi Toscana IGT Rosso 2021

Siepi, owned by Mazzei family since 1435, has always been a model farm, still managed today with the same kind of respect. A unique location, a special microclimate, the foresight in the early 1980s to plant Merlot as the ideal grape to complement Sangiovese in a very particular "terroir" produce a wine which is perfectly balanced between elegance, power and complexity.

Appellation: Toscana IGT
Winery location: Loc. Fonterutoli - Castellina in Chianti (SI)
Grape varieties: 50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot
Alcohol: 14,66% vol.
Total acidity: 6,34‰
Vineyards location: Siepi (Castellina in Chianti):
                                    260 m (850 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp.
Soil: Mainly Alberese
Vineyards age: 23 - 36 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training and Guyot
Nr. of vines per hectare: 4,500 - 6,500
Harvest: Hand picked from September 10th (Merlot), September 24th (Sangiovese)
Fermentation: 26 - 28° C, in stainless steel tanks
Period of maceration: 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese)
Ageing: 18 months in french oak barrels (70% new):
               Barriques (Merlot), Tonneaux (Sangiovese)
Finissage: 3 months in concrete tanks
Bottling: June 2023
Available on the market: October 2023
Production: 34,000 bottles
Formats: 750 ml
Cases: Wooden box
First vintage: 1992
Ageing potential: Over 20 years
Key descriptors: Crispy notes of elder, plum, berries, sandalwood, tobacco, with a very long, bright finish
Food pairing: Flavorful, textured dishes, dark sauces, game, meditation

Decanter 97 Pts
Jane Anson 96 Pts
Vinous 96+ Pts
Wine Advocate 96+ Pts

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. - Wine Enthusiast 96 points