Chianti Classico, although a famous name today, was a name that associated with unappealing and dull dry red wine between 1965 and 1980. Overproduction, high yield, little care about vineyard site and the selection of Sangiovese clones, all contributed to a red wine that was low in quality to please most.
In addition, according to the regulation at that time, it was necessary to use from 10% to 30% of white grape varieties of Trebbiano and Malvasia. This made Chianti Classico not suitable for long ageing. Furthermore, while Chianti Classico nowadays allows the use of international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this was forbidden at that time. Therefore, high quality Chianti such as Tignanello cannot called themselves Chianti DOC. Rather, these high quality Chianti have to call themselves Vino da Tavola. This resulted in many supposedly lower-graded Vino da Tavola were of better quality than Chianti DOC.
This situation finally started to improve from 1984 with tighter regulations on Chianti Classico production such as yield control. The new regulation also allowed the use of up to 10% of international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. What is more important is a project known as Chianti Classico 2000 in 1989. A lot of lesser quality Sangiovese clones were replanted with better clones. With all these improvements, we are finally able to see a lot of Chianti Classico that are offering good value for money today. One of the most reliable producers in the Chianti region is Castellodi Fonterutoli.
Castellodi Fonterutoli is owned by the Mazzei family. Its flagship product is Castello di Fonterutoli. It is aged in small French barrel for 16 months. It is a modern style Chianti Classico with ripe fruit flavours. Similar to many famous Bordeaux chateau, Castellodi Fonterutoli also produced a second wine and is known simply as Fonterutoli. It is an elegant and balanced everyday Chianti Classico. It has always been one of my safe bet when picking a Chianti Classico.
This bottle of 2007 Mazzei Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico DOCG is another Chianti Classico produced by Castellodi Fonterutoli. Since it is a Riserva, it has to be aged for at least three years before releasing to the market. Therefore, this is of vintage 2007 while for Fonterutoli, it is already selling vintage 2009.
A refreshing yet ripe nose. Quite heavy oak induced flavours yet balanced by rich fruit flavours. Elegant and fine tannins in palate with strong sour cherry flavour. This is another good value for money Chianti Classico to consider.
Purchased from Watsons Wine Cellar (Original: $248 / Special: $208)