Discovering “Fontodi world” has been a priceless experience. And it is not a catch-phrase. I have already tasted the wines from this vineyard some years ago, but it is a partial valuation if you do not really know the place where these wines come from. Fontodi is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in a valley South of Panzano (nearby Florence in Tuscany), a place known, since ever, as the Golden Valley. Here, thanks to a special terroir, vine growing is of high quality, because of the high altitude vineyards ( from 350 to 500 mts asl) the marly soil, sun exposure and local microclimate with important diurnal range.
Since 1968 Fontodi is owned by the Manetti family, involved for centuries in the typical Tuscan industry, the famous terracotta. In the huge cellar, where more than 1200 barrels and barriques are stocked, there are also some crafts terracotta amphoras, made by the Manettis and currently involved in the red winemaking.
The winery has been certified organic since the Nineties and the estate is 170 hectares, of which 80 hectares are grown organically as vineyards. The motto is “respect the environment”.
Giovanni Manetti, Fontodi owner with his brother Marco
The enthusiast Fontodi owner is Giovanni Manetti, a Chianti man, just promoted President of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico. Giovanni Manetti tells of himself being a craftmen vinegrower. Fontodi winemaker is the expert Franco Bernabei, one of the Sangiovese master. I tasted the two single-vineyard wines, both from Sangiovese, but Vigna del Sorbo impressed me the most. Here is ideally in your glass.
My tasting notes. Fontodi “Vigna del Sorbo” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015
Deep ruby red, clean and thick. On the nose it is floral, showing notes of violet, cranberry, black cherry, maraschino cherry, well mixed with notes of liquorice, sweet tobacco, rhubarb, black pepper and leather. On the mouth, it is warm, intense and enveloping, with elegant and silky tannin and a mouth-watering aftertaste. It is very persistent, with prevailing balsamic notes. This is a noble Chianti Classico, very easy drinking.
Some technical data. This wine was produced for the first time in 1985. It comes from a vineyard – a real cru – facing South West. Vines are averagely 30 years old. It is aged in Troncais and Allier oak barrels – half new – for 24 months.
Bottles produced per year: 30,000
Suggested pairing: Chianina steak with sauce.
Fontodi top wines: Vigna del Sorbo and Flaccianello della Pieve
I would like to mention also the flagship wine from Fontodi, Flaccianello della Pieve, blend of the best grapes of Sangiovese, grown in the vineyard Fontodi, but this is yet to come.
Retail price: € 45 – $ 51,5 – My rating: 93/100
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