Recently, I opened a bottle of Mazzei’s Ipsus 2016 from the cellar of Villa Licata — a rare and strikingly pure expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Chianti Classico. Produced at Castello di Fonterutoli, in the small cru village of Castagnoli near Radda in Chianti, Ipsus is a project built on precision, finesse, and terroir, bottled only in the finest vintages and in very limited quantities.
In the glass, Ipsus 2016 shows a bright ruby hue. The nose is highly refined and complex: red cherry, rose petals, violets, orange peel, and wet stone, all lifted by subtle oak nuances and an almost ethereal spiciness. On the palate, it is graceful and multi-layered, with lively acidity, ultra-fine tannins, and a long, mineral-driven finish. The wine is seamless and precise, with a brilliant future ahead.
2016 was an outstanding year in Chianti Classico: a cool spring, a warm yet balanced summer, and a harvest under perfect conditions. Ipsus 2016 mirrors this balance with ripe fruit and elegant structure — at once approachable and profound, with tremendous aging potential.
This wine deserves refined Tuscan cuisine as its partner: crespelle with porcini mushrooms, pigeon with sage and Chianti jus, or the classic fegatelli di maiale. It also shines beautifully alongside aged cheeses such as pecorino stagionato or even an elegant toma di capra.
While Ipsus 2016 already drinks beautifully when decanted, it has the capacity to age until at least 2040, unfolding greater depth and aromatic precision over time. Decanting for one to two hours is strongly recommended.
An exceptional bottle, combining Tuscan nobility with modern precision at the highest level.
Click here to explore all available vintages of Ipsus.
Status: already enjoyable now with decanting, with cellaring potential until at least 2040.
A presto, Salute!
In the glass, Ipsus 2016 shows a bright ruby hue. The nose is highly refined and complex: red cherry, rose petals, violets, orange peel, and wet stone, all lifted by subtle oak nuances and an almost ethereal spiciness. On the palate, it is graceful and multi-layered, with lively acidity, ultra-fine tannins, and a long, mineral-driven finish. The wine is seamless and precise, with a brilliant future ahead.
2016 was an outstanding year in Chianti Classico: a cool spring, a warm yet balanced summer, and a harvest under perfect conditions. Ipsus 2016 mirrors this balance with ripe fruit and elegant structure — at once approachable and profound, with tremendous aging potential.
This wine deserves refined Tuscan cuisine as its partner: crespelle with porcini mushrooms, pigeon with sage and Chianti jus, or the classic fegatelli di maiale. It also shines beautifully alongside aged cheeses such as pecorino stagionato or even an elegant toma di capra.
While Ipsus 2016 already drinks beautifully when decanted, it has the capacity to age until at least 2040, unfolding greater depth and aromatic precision over time. Decanting for one to two hours is strongly recommended.
An exceptional bottle, combining Tuscan nobility with modern precision at the highest level.
Click here to explore all available vintages of Ipsus.
Status: already enjoyable now with decanting, with cellaring potential until at least 2040.
A presto, Salute!