The Mazzei family, a prominent name in Tuscany’s wine scene, has a rich history particularly in vinegar production and vineyards located in Chianti Classico. They produce a variety of wines, including distinguished Chianti Classico selections and two significant super-Tuscan wines: Siepi and Concerto.
Concerto, which debuted in 1981, has roots tracing back to the transformative period of the 1960s and 1970s in Tuscany, when landowners began re-evaluating their farming practices following the decline of traditional sharecropping. Initially, local nurseries struggled with Sangiovese, leading the Mazzei family to import Cabernet Sauvignon from French nurseries, which significantly enhanced their Sangiovese, bringing depth and richness to the wine.
Despite its success, production of Concerto ceased in 1995 to focus on the premium Chianti Classico, Castello di Fonterutoli. In 2006, the acquisition of a vineyard with 45 hectares of vines made it possible to bring Concerto back to the market. The wine was re-introduced in 2011 as a single-vineyard offering with a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Giovanni Mazzei, the 25th generation of the family, expresses enthusiasm for Concerto’s return, aiming to reconnect consumers with the identity of the wine. He highlights that modern winemaking ensures minimal interference, allowing the wines to express their terroir more clearly.
In terms of vinification, the Sangiovese undergoes fermentation using submerged cap techniques while the Cabernet Sauvignon is processed separately. The wines are aged in large oak barrels and blended before resting in cement tanks for a few months prior to bottling.
Recent tastings of Concerto have shown promise with three different vintages:
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2020 Concerto di Fonterutoli IGT Toscana: Noted for its rich fruitiness and savory detail, this vintage offers a balanced palate with well-defined structure and a nice acidity, earning a score of 94/100.
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2021 Concerto di Fonterutoli IGT Toscana: This vintage impresses with concentration and depth, characterized by tense yet smooth tannins. It showcases sweet cherry and berry flavors, resulting in a rating of 96/100.
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2022 Concerto di Fonterutoli IGT Toscana: Despite the climate challenges of heat and drought, this vintage has been hailed as a "miracle" for its produced quality, featuring ripe fruits complemented by freshness and structure, scoring 95/100.
Through these wines, Giovanni aims to reinvigorate Concerto’s legacy and reconnect it with wine enthusiasts around the globe. For more details, visit Mazzei’s official website.