Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Philip combines Cabernet Sauvignon from two Tuscan estates: Fonterutoli at Castellina in Chianti and Belguardo at Montebottigli in Maremma. The vineyards lie at 50–310 m with south-to-southwest exposure. Fonterutoli contributes predominantly limestone soils, while Belguardo is principally sandstone. The vines are 15–25 years old, spur-cordon trained and planted at 6,600–7,200 vines per hectare. The two origins bring together the fragrance and elegance associated with Chianti Classico and the opulence and power of Maremma.
Grapes
100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vinification
The grapes are hand-picked from 16 September at Fonterutoli and 23 September at Belguardo. Fermentation takes place at 25–27°C. Maceration lasts 13 days for the Fonterutoli component and 15 days for the Belguardo component.
Ageing
Eighteen months in 225-litre French and American oak barrels, of which 30% are new. Bottled in May 2025 and released in September 2025.
Technical data
Alcohol: 13.40% vol. Total acidity: 5.50 g/L. Production: 44,000 bottles. Formats: 750 ml, 1.5 L, 3 L and 6 L. First vintage: 2008. Ageing potential: more than 20 years.
Tasting profile
Full-bodied, ripe and intriguing, with depth of colour, aromatic complexity and powerful structure balanced by minerality, elegance and finesse. The palate is long, with a pleasantly fresh finish.
Serving and pairing
Pair with game stews, mature or blue cheeses, and spicy dishes.
Vintage notes
The 2022 growing season began with a mild but dry winter. Spring temperatures rose gradually, encouraging steady vegetative growth, while high temperatures and limited rain continued through flowering and fruit set. Summer remained particularly dry, and early heat exposure contributed to thicker grape skins. The harvested fruit was healthy, although low rainfall reduced cluster weight and overall volume. Across the estates, harvest ran from 1 September to 6 October 2022; rainfall was 440–621 mm, the temperature index was 5,455.39°C, and the vintage was evaluated as good.
Label / history
The wine honours Philip Mazzei (1730–1816), a Mazzei ancestor, political thinker, American patriot and, with Thomas Jefferson, a pioneer of viticulture in Virginia. Its conception links Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon with the “New World” spirit associated with his life and ideas.
