Castello di Fonterutoli’s Siepi 1997 is a remarkable Tuscan red from a house with a strong reputation for crafting elegant yet powerful wines. The precise grape blend isn’t specified, but traditionally, Siepi is known for artfully combining the region’s characteristic Sangiovese with a complementary international variety such as Merlot, giving the wine both Tuscan typicity and international depth. The 1997 vintage in Tuscany was outstanding, marked by a warm, dry summer and benevolent conditions at harvest, allowing for impressive ripeness, concentration, and structure. Ageing in French oak is a hallmark of many top Tuscan producers, and you can expect subtle nuances of spice and toast in the mature bouquet, supporting a palate rich with dark cherry, plum, and hints of tobacco and leather that develop gracefully with time.
Tuscany is blessed with a rolling landscape of clay-limestone soils, ideal for noble red varieties. The climate features warm days and cooler nights, especially in hilly zones, fostering slow, even ripening and vibrant acidity in the wines. The Mazzei family behind Castello di Fonterutoli has been making wine in the Chianti Classico heartlands since the 15th century, bringing together tradition and modernity across generations. The region’s historic prestige is reflected in its ability to produce reds that are structured yet refined, with the capacity to evolve beautifully in bottle over decades, as is the case with this 1997.
Food pairings for an aged Tuscan red of this style weave beautifully into the regional cuisine. Classic Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) would be an exemplary match, as would slow-cooked wild boar ragù over pappardelle. Mature Siepi can also harmonise with roast lamb or hard, aged cheeses such as pecorino toscano, whose earthy savourines matches the wine’s evolved complexity.
To best enjoy this wine’s aromatics and texture after extended cellaring, decant for at least an hour before serving. Pour at 17–18°C to allow the full spectrum of mature aromas to emerge. This is a contemplative wine, rewarding both careful pairing and patience in the glass.
