Fontodi is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico valley in an area called “Conca D’ Oro” (Golden Shell) because of its shape.
A visit to Fontodi in Panzano is a true joy.
The combination of high altitude (360m to 410m ASL), a calcare, clay schist soil paired with precise planting exposure, excellent drainage, and the unique microclimate all play a vital part in producing superior fruit, without which quality Sangiovese cannot be made.
The winery has belonged to the Manetti family since 1968 and is a certified organic estate.
The entire estate covers 130 hectares, 70 planted with vines, all carefully nurtured with unfaltering respect for nature and sustainability, along with a careful eye on full moon phases.
The grapes, when ripe, are hand-picked and meticulously sorted before starting their long journey (via a modern cellar built on descending levels to take full advantage of gravity) and are treated with the greatest respect and integrity at all stages.
All the wooden barrels used in the cellar are handmade using French oak. This is highly unusual and extremely costly.
Some of the oak barriques are light, medium or heavy toasted to assist the blender in extracting the very best from the various ages of the vines.
The final reward of all of this precision, passion and exacting standards is in the bottle: remarkable wines true to their terroir.
As a homage to his heritage, Giovanni Manetti has conceived an experiment based on his father’s two main passions: the famous “cotto” tiles the family has produced for centuries and their vineyards.
The same “cotto” was also used to make handmade “anphorae” and the grapes from the estate are placed inside these terracotta receptacles reviving ancient methods for winemaking (with a little help from today’s technology) with great expectation and hope that a new wine will emerge to join the famous Fontodi labels we know today.
Tasting notes
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2015
Is an outright winner. Still in the first stages of evolution, tannins fresh but bound, full bodied, rich, with great depth, black fruits. Organic.
To be rewarded fully, you will need to be patient 2021+
Points 96-98 TW
Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2014 Vigna del Sorbo
Although a little closed now, it is showing richness. Structured at present by tight tannins hiding the quality of the fruit and the ample acidity which should smooth given 2-3 years bottle age. Organic.
Points 91 TW
