95pts Wine Spectator

An essence of sweet cherry grounds the surrounding flavors of leather, iron, spice and tobacco in this firm red, which remains vibrant and refined. Bracing acidity and dense, muscular tannins play out on the long finish.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is an exceptionally balanced and smooth red wine that is the result of a complicated fruit-blending process. Some 36 biotypes of Sangiovese are used in the mix and are harvested from 120 single vineyard parcels with primarily Alberese and Galestro limestone soils. It is made from 92% Sangiovese, and 8% Malvasia Nera and Colorino. The bouquet offers bold cherry and plum with spice and soft tobacco.

92pts Decanter

Deep, earthy and vivacious red fruits in an exuberant, forthcoming style, with brassy oak. The fruit strides out, acidic, uncompromising and tannin-booted.

92pts James Suckling

Plenty of new wood overlaying the ripe fruit and spice on the nose. Full body, rich and flavorful with lots of vanilla and berry character. A little less new wood would be more pleasing to me but I like the wine's energy all the same. Better in 2019.

91pts Vinous

The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is a wine of power, volume and textural intensity, done in an especially racy, flamboyant style. There is terrific depth to the sweet red cherry and pomegranate fruit. At the same time, the oak is in my view a bit overdone. My impression is that the Gran Selezione could be a meaningfully better wine. 

91pts Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of French oak, vanilla, exotic spice and espresso follow over to the medium-bodied, linear palate along with cranberry, licorice, chopped mint and coconut. Racy acidity and austere, fine-grained tannins provide balance and support. Drink 2019–2028.

Tasting Notes

This complex wine offers aromas of dried flowers. On the palate, it has great structure and is very rich and persistent.

Pairs well with savory dishes, game, stews, truffles and aged cheeses.

About the Wine

It's the wine that represents the essence itself of Castello di Fonterutoli estate. It was a forerunner, in 1995, of Gran Selezione category; it's a Cru of Sangiovese coming from the best parcels surrounding the Fonterutoli hamlet, in the Castellina in Chianti municipality. The real "Château" of the estate.

Winery Notes

The story of the Mazzei family and Castello di Fonterutoli is deeply intertwined with the history of Tuscany and the development of Chianti Classico. The Mazzei family has been involved in winemaking in the region since 1435, when their ancestor Ser Lapo Mazzei, a notary in Florence, documented the first known written use of the name “Chianti” in a letter referencing wine from the area. Over the centuries, the family established their estate at Castello di Fonterutoli, a historic property located between Florence and Siena in the heart of Chianti Classico. The name “Fonterutoli” is believed to derive from the Italian words for “broken spring” or “ruined fountain,” referring to an ancient water source in the village surrounding the castle. Today, Castello di Fonterutoli remains the Mazzei family’s flagship estate, where they continue a long tradition of producing wines that highlight the character of Sangiovese and the unique terroir of Chianti Classico while combining centuries-old heritage with modern winemaking innovation.

Blend: 92% Sangiovese, 8% Malvasia Nera and Colorino