Castello di Fonterutoli — Mazzei

The Mazzei have been at Fonterutoli, just south of Castellina, since 1435, and an ancestor, the notary Ser Lapo Mazzei, wrote the 1398 letter that is the first known document to name Chianti wine. The estate is large — 650 hectares, 110 of them vineyard in 114 parcels between 220 and 570 metres — and the cellar, designed by Agnese Mazzei, lies fifteen metres underground, cooled by natural springs running through the bare rock.

There are three Gran Selezione: Castello Fonterutoli, Badiòla and Vicoregio 36. Siepi, Sangiovese with Merlot, is the best-known Super Tuscan, and the Ser Lapo Riserva honours that letter. The village has become a scattered wine resort, with rooms in three historic buildings, and the Osteria di Fonterutoli serves Tuscan cooking on a terrace looking towards Siena. Tours range from a regular visit to cru tastings and wine-and-food experiences.