Mazzei, Siepi 2016

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. The Siepi vineyard's exposure is unique, situated as it is on a plateau that is well lit throughout the day and that is surrounded by an oak forest, creating the perfect microclimate with major differences in temperature between day and night. The Mazzei were one of the first families in the Chianti Classico area to have the foresight in the early 1980s to plant Merlot as the ideal grape to complement Sangiovese. Siepi was chosen to host this experiment on account of the particular composition of its soil, made up of calcareous and marl schist mixed with very advanced clays, that brings out the best in this uniquely warm and opulent grape variety. "This was an iconic vintage, and the superiority of the 2016 growing season, with lots of sunshine and cool summer nights, shows. A blend of equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese, the Mazzei 2016 Siepi is profound, vibrant, nuanced and lifted. The Merlot plays an important role in grounding the wine, adding both texture and volume. However, the Sangiovese is almost more important in my opinion, especially in this sample. The bouquet is fresh and lively with plenty of wild cherry, rose, crushed stone, lilac and lavender. One of the big changes made in 2016 is the introduction of a four-month finishing period in concrete tanks. This wine is showing beautifully now, but it has many more years to give. Production was 35,000 bottles." Monika Larner, The Wine Advocate, 2022 Drink 2022- 2035