Fontodi Chianti Classico
One of my favourite Tuscan estates that I've been luck enough to visit on three occasions. Overlooking the Conca d'Ora (golden shell) amphitheatre where most of their vines are planted, just outside the hilltop town of Panzano. Recent vintages of the Chianti Classico have been a bit too hefty for my taste, but this 2021 is as good as any I can remember. All that sunshine is captured, with plush blue fruit, but the refinement is back, with subtle spice and floral notes and polished tannins on the finish. Awarded 94pts by Antonio Galloni.
The very classy Giovanni Manetti has run the property since 1980 and ensures the wines are as meticulously made, with the vineyards and cellar immaculately tended. Giovanni’s 90 hectares of vineyard, 90% of which are Sangiovese, are planted in Panzano's prime ‘conca d‘oro’ (golden shell), creating wines of supreme elegance, intensity and longevity. The south-facing vineyards and natural amphitheatre allow grapes to ripen fully, while the high elevations ensure cool nights, resulting in good acidity retention and lovely aromatics. Soils here allow for excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to reach deep into the earth with their roots. Giovanni has converted to organic viticulture and follows biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit.
In the winery, Giovanni’s approach is similarly non-interventionist. For example, he utilises very low toast oak to ensure the quality of fruit is preserved in the finished wine. Giovanni’s Chianti Classico always shows great depth and intensity while maintaining balance. The ‘Vigna del Sorbo’ Gran Selezione is intensely concentrated. Previously containing a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, in 2012 Giovanni decided the Sangiovese needed no further supplement. The ‘Flaccianello’, made from the estate’s best Sangiovese, is one of Italy’s most sought-after wines. It is powerful, fleshy and ages beautifully. The ‘Terrazze San Leolino’, Fontodi’s latest Gran Selezione, is produced from a five-hectare terraced single vineyard. Here, the limestone soil creates a wine with great vibrancy and freshness, differing in style from the ‘Vigna del Sorbo’.
The very classy Giovanni Manetti has run the property since 1980 and ensures the wines are as meticulously made, with the vineyards and cellar immaculately tended. Giovanni’s 90 hectares of vineyard, 90% of which are Sangiovese, are planted in Panzano's prime ‘conca d‘oro’ (golden shell), creating wines of supreme elegance, intensity and longevity. The south-facing vineyards and natural amphitheatre allow grapes to ripen fully, while the high elevations ensure cool nights, resulting in good acidity retention and lovely aromatics. Soils here allow for excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to reach deep into the earth with their roots. Giovanni has converted to organic viticulture and follows biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit.
In the winery, Giovanni’s approach is similarly non-interventionist. For example, he utilises very low toast oak to ensure the quality of fruit is preserved in the finished wine. Giovanni’s Chianti Classico always shows great depth and intensity while maintaining balance. The ‘Vigna del Sorbo’ Gran Selezione is intensely concentrated. Previously containing a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, in 2012 Giovanni decided the Sangiovese needed no further supplement. The ‘Flaccianello’, made from the estate’s best Sangiovese, is one of Italy’s most sought-after wines. It is powerful, fleshy and ages beautifully. The ‘Terrazze San Leolino’, Fontodi’s latest Gran Selezione, is produced from a five-hectare terraced single vineyard. Here, the limestone soil creates a wine with great vibrancy and freshness, differing in style from the ‘Vigna del Sorbo’.
12+ in stock
| Code | 2178 |
|---|---|
| Closure | Cork |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Country | Italy |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Region | Tuscany |
| ABV | 14.0 |
| Grape | Sangiovese |