Castello di Fonterutoli, one of Chianti Classico’s top estates, has bought Il Caggio, its neighbouring property.
The deal, worth over €10m, will add an an extra 45ha of Sangiovese vines to the Fonterutoli estate, which is owned by the Marchesi Mazzei company.
Il Caggio comprises 150ha in all and is the property of Ezio Rivella, ex-managing director of Castello Banfi.
Rivella said he was very pleased with the sale, and added. ‘I am particularly attached to this estate which has ancient historical roots and a sound viticultural reputation for Sangiovese due to the altitude, and its excellent exposure.’
With the annexing of Il Caggio, Fonterutoli becomes one of Chianti Classico’s most important estates, both in terms of quality and quantity.
A new avant-garde cellar recently opened was designed with the capacity to process a much larger quantity of wine.
‘I have always admired Il Caggio’s vineyards,’ said Lapo Mazzei, president of Marchesi Mazzei and honorary president of the Consorzio Chianti Classico. ‘Its acquisition is the most natural way of expanding our vineyard capacity. It’s like a dream come true.’
Written by Michèle Shah
