The 2019 Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a noteworthy red wine from Tuscany, Italy. It is crafted from Sangiovese grapes and hails from the Chianti sub-region. This wine, produced by Mazzei, is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
Decanter magazine awarded this wine a score of 92 and highlighted its unique origin. The wine is derived from a vineyard in the Vagliagli township, planted with 36 different biotypes of Sangiovese, a result of 50 years of research. The vineyard sits at an elevation of 350 meters and is recognized as the smoothest of Mazzei’s Gran Selezione sites. Decanter's tasting notes mention, "Leading with mocha, dried cherry and balsam wood, it carries its oak well. Red berry purity shows through on the toasty palate. This is full yet graciously structured, with appetising integrated acidity" (Decanter, 3/21/2022).
James Suckling gave the wine an excellent score of 96. He described it as "a very linear and fine-tannined Chianti Classico with crunchy cherry fruit and hints of minerals. Medium body. Crisp and lively finish. Closed and tight in the mid-palate" (James Suckling, 7/4/2022). Suckling suggests this wine is suitable for drinking now or holding for future enjoyment.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the wine highly at 95. The review notes that this is the third vintage to carry the Gran Selezione designation. The fruit comes from a 12.5-hectare vineyard at 350 meters in elevation, with compact clay soils and good ventilation. The vineyard was acquired in 1997. The Advocate describes the wine as showing "medium-rich concentration and sweet tannins with plenty of dark fruit, spice, underbrush and wild mint" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 2/10/2023).
Wine Spectator echoed similar sentiments with a 95 rating, stating, "This classy red boasts a core of ripe, juicy plum, cherry, and blackberry fruit framed by a subtle touch of new oak and a mineral underpinning. Reveals refined tannins, which should come into the fold over the next 5-7 years as this integrates fully. Shows terrific balance and length, with finesse and complexity" (Wine Spectator, 4/26/2023). The best drinking window is suggested to be from 2026 through 2045.
In summary, the 2019 Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a highly-rated, balanced red wine with notable complexity, structure, and aging potential.