Mazzei, Siepi 2020

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. "Equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese, the Mazzei 2020 Siepi is a terrific vintage in a long line of wines that I had the pleasure of tasting through last year in a complete retrospective. The first vintage produced was 1992. The soils in the Siepi vineyard are especially deep, and the site is surrounded by forests to keep it cool. These conditions give rise to abundant aromas of sweet black cherry, underbrush and blue wild flower. This is a medium to full-bodied Tuscan red that shows enormous elegance and depth.." Monika Larner, The Wine Advocate, 2023 Drink 2023- 2040