From the heart of Tuscany: introducing the Belguardo V

In the heart of Italy's dynamic winemaking zone, the Maremma Toscana, the recent introduction of Belguardo V has captured the attention of connoisseurs and wine lovers alike. Stemming from meticulous research and experimentation, this distinguished wine, which carries the title of the first DOC Maremma Toscana Vermentino Superiore, brings forward a confident nod to the future of Italian viticulture.

The Genesis of Belguardo V

Unveiled in October 2023, Belguardo V is a proud culmination of a project that took roots in 2008 under the patronage of the esteemed Mazzei family. Their estate, nestled in this exceptional corner of Tuscany, has contributed to Maremma Toscana's burgeoning reputation as one of Italy's most innovative winemaking regions.

Delving into the specifics, this unique wine boasts a singular profile, derived from four Vermentino clones – two of which originate from Corsica and the other two from Sardinia. The vineyards, enriched with medium-textured, sandstone-rich soil peppered with abundant rocks, find themselves a mere 10 km from the sea. This proximity allows the vines to bask in favorable sea breezes, largely unobstructed. The grapes, hand-harvested at the pinnacle of their maturity, undergo a comprehensive yet organic vinification process. This involves an extended maceration period, deepening the wine's ties to its terroir. Half of these grapes are macerated on their skins for a duration of six months, predominantly within amphoras. This technique imparts the wine with a profound extract, resulting in a remarkable structure and a captivating golden hue. The remaining grapes are allowed to mature on lees, treated to weekly bâtonnage to amplify their aromatic presence and refine their texture. This meticulous approach gives birth to a wine that brilliantly encapsulates the quintessence of Vermentino, marked by its robust flavor profile, notable minerality, intricate layers, and commendable aging potential.

Francesco Mazzei, a prominent voice of the Mazzei family, expressed his admiration for the Maremma region, lauding it not only for its untouched natural splendor but also for its potential in crafting exquisite wines. "In my estimation, Vermentino stands as a profound emblem of this promising appellation's potential. This coastal grape variety has discovered its genuine habitat within the Maremma, exhibiting a diverse range of expressions contingent upon various factors including terrain, elevation, and its relative distance from the coastline," he elaborated. "Owing to its multifaceted character and potential for aging, I am resolutely of the view that the Maremma Vermentino stands in league with the world's elite wines, both white and red."

The Legacy of Tenuta Belguardo

The inception of Tenuta Belguardo traces back to 1997, marking the Mazzei family's ambitious venture in Maremma Toscana. Positioned strategically between Grosseto and Montiano, and overlooking the Parco Naturale dell'Uccellina, the estate thrives in a unique terroir. Its distinct microclimate, tempered by breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea, was recognized as a valuable asset by the Mazzei family, following their exhaustive research. Brothers Francesco and Filippo Mazzei embarked on this journey with a vision. Their pursuit was dual-faceted: to create wines that would do justice to the renowned Bordeaux blends while simultaneously amplifying the indigenous varieties of the region.

Drawing inspiration from its scenic locale, the estate was aptly named Belguardo, translating to "beautiful view." The estate's emblem, the star dodecahedron, or Icosahedron Elevatus, conceptualized by Leonardo da Vinci for "De Divina Proportione," penned by Fra Luca Pacioli in 1497, encapsulates the precision, complexity, and vast potential inherent in the Belguardo wines. Upholding their commitment to sustainability, the Mazzei brothers have consistently practiced eco-friendly agricultural methodologies across their estates, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of local ecosystems and their intrinsic biodiversity.