Wine Producer Interview: Marchesi Mazzei
Apicius has recently announced a new Apicius Friend partner, Marchesi Mazzei, a Tuscan wine producer whose origins date to 1435 and is located in three wine territories in Italy – Chianti Classico and Maremma in Tuscany, as well as Noto in Sicily. The Apicius Friend initiative of the Apicius Wine Department gathers prestigious wine producers throughout Italy to sustain wine academics at the institution. We had the privilege of interviewing Marquis Francesco Mazzei about his family’s vision for quality Italian winemaking.
Apicius: Out of the three wine properties of the Mazzei family, is there a particular wine that has a special story to tell?
MM: It would be without a doubt il Castello di Fonterutoli, a true “chateau” of Chianti Classico wines. It features 36 bio-types of Sangiovese grapes from the best parcels of the property. I’d also have to mention Siepi, an avant-garde example of the Tuscan enology renaissance, this product is the ideal marriage between Sangiovese and Merlot from the best grapes picked from the eponymous vineyard at the property.
Apicius: How would you define your relationship to Tuscan territory? And Italy? How do your wines represent wines in the national wine market?
MM: Very strong. Tuscany is our past, present, and future. As for Italy, I believe that the country is an extraordinary vehicle of wine promotion and our wines are definitely a reference point within the panorama of Italian winemaking.
Apicius: The company stems from a long history, the Mazzei family has been producing for centuries and generations. What is your approach to wine in the 21st century, to the strategies for the future?
MM: It’s important to be able to adapt gradually to change, without overturning things. There are always ample opportunities for improvement without renouncing one’s identity. We want to consolidate our position as a company representing an important example in Italy by increasing our focus not only on the product but on all of our operations.
Apicius: Mazzei is represented by three properities, of which two are in Tuscany and one in Sicily; each is characterized by unique territories. Can you describe for our readers the spirit of each winery?
MM: The overall spirit of all properties is to interpret in a unique, memorable manner, the diverse territories that we represent. This common denominator is found in the wines of all of our properties and in fact explains the reason for acquiring Belguardo in Maremma and Zisola in Sicily – our desire to face rich, diverse realities in each location.
Find out more about Mazzei wine products at www.mazzei.it.