At a glance

Producer

Marchesi Mazzei

Region

Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Mostly Sangiovese with a small percentage of Merlot

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Fresh sour cherry, wild berry, violet, dried herbs, savory Tuscan earth, subtle oak and spice; medium body with lively structure.

Evolution: Fruit will soften and integrate; earthy notes, dried flowers, cedar and spice will emerge with age. Tannins will become more silky.

At peak: At peak, displays complex aromas of dried cherry, tobacco, balsamic, truffle, and leather; polished texture, integrated acidity, remarkable balance.

Structure

Acidity

Bright, classic Tuscan acidity

Tannins

Firm, finely grained, moderate-to-high

Alcohol

Medium (typically 13.5-14%)

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage, and potentially longer in top vintages

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2034

Optimal window

2026 to 2036

Current status

Youthful – still quite primary, needs time to integrate

Current condition

Vibrant, with youthful fruit and lively tannins; already enjoyable with air but will improve significantly

Chianti Classico Riserva from a leading estate like Mazzei has classic structure (acid and tannin) fashioned for slow aging. In a moderate to good vintage, expect 10-15 yrs; from 2022’s favorable growing conditions, this wine will evolve gracefully to at least 2034, possibly longer.

Food pairing

Best with grilled or roasted lamb, bistecca alla fiorentina, aged pecorino, wild boar ragù, mushroom risotto, or hearty Tuscan bean dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Decanting softens tannins, opens primary fruit, and releases subtle aromatics, especially in youth.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Mazzei employs precision viticulture, use of renewable energy (solar panels supply ~20% of needs), targeted interventions to limit water use, biodiversity conservation measures, and lower-impact packaging including lighter bottles and recycled materials.

Mazzei is a historic family estate that has made real, documented efforts to improve sustainability. They’re Equalitas-certified and promote responsible farming, biodiversity, and renewable energy. Bottles are lighter than tradition, but not ultra-lightweight, and not fully organic/biodynamic (conventional farming with sustainable practices). Carbon output is reduced vs. industry average, but not at the level of the most progressive organic or carbon-negative wineries.