Marchesi Mazzei, Siepi, Tuscany, IGT, dry, red

‘It comes from Tuscany, specifically from Fonterutoli between Castellina and San Leonino. This beautiful region between Florence and Siena is the heart of the Chianti region. The Siepi is a cru consisting of equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese: Thesix hectares on which the grapes for the Siepi grow are among the best sites in Fonterutoli. 70% of the wine was matured in new barriques, with the containers for the Sangiovese being larger than those for the Merlot (225 litres). There are 30,000 bottles produced and the wine is celebrated by international wine guides – the rating varies between 96 and 98 out of 100 points, in some cases with an upward trend after appropriate ageing. The alcohol content is 14.5%. The wine is ready to drink now, but should be decanted into a carafe first. However, the wine can also be decanted ‘easily’: Simply pour into a glass and leave the rest of the bottle lightly closed (with the cork only slightly open) for a while – the residual air in the bottleaerates and opens the wine. This wine can be stored in the cellar until 2035 without hesitation and will then become even more elegant and supple.’