Regularly deep and dark in color, and with an important contribution of Bordeaux grapes, the wines of Castello di Fonterutoli clearly reflect the ideas of owners Filippo and Francesco Mazzei (one of whose ancestors was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson and introduced him to the wines of Italy) and of their consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini. The style is successful in its own terms, as the 2002 Poggio alla Badiola indicates, a full ruby in color and with attractive notes of herbs and spices to accompany a palate of a certain size for a rainy vintage. In general, the wines seem as much an expression of the Gironde as of central Tuscany, but they are clearly the result of a scrupulous viticulture and professional winemaking. They will clearly appeal to those looking more for these qualities than for expression of territory and traditions. So be it.
Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000