“It is impossible to exaggerate my enthusiasm for this set of new releases from Giovanni Manetti's venerable Fontodi… Among the many excellent estates located in Panzano is Fontodi, one of the finest wine estates in the world.” Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous Media has rated the 2018 vintage in Chianti on par with 2015 when Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve received a massive 99 pt review... see where I’m going with this? While the 2018 Flaccianello is not yet rated, with historically high reviews between 95-100 year after year, we expect the same from this phenomenal vintage!

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2018

Sale $144.99 – Also available in Magnums and 3 Liter. Inquire for pricing.
 
The Fontodi wine estate was founded in 1968 by Florentine tile manufacturer Dino Manetti, father of current proprietor Giovanni Manetti.  Its position - smack in the center of Chianti Classico, with south-facing vineyards rich in galestro (crumbling schistous rock), beautifully sited in Panzano's famous conca d'oro or "golden shell," at an altitude of 1,310-1,475 ft - is pivotal, bestowing great light quality and daytime heat during the growing season, with cooler nighttime temperatures.

The vineyards are tended organically - there is even a small herd of Tuscany's prized Chianina beef cattle to graze and help fertilize along with vine-cuttings compost.  Some old vines from the 1960's and 1970's are left, mixed with replantings of high-density plants derived from massal selection along with the best clones to emerge from the Chianti Classico 2000 project, in which Fontodi played a very active role.  The relatively recently rebuilt winery is beautifully equipped and works on the gravity principle, eliminating the need for pumping.  A maniacal attention to detail in both the vineyards and cellar sets Fontodi apart as one of Italy’s most inspired producers, with Tuscan winemaker legend Franco Bernabei at the helm in the winery.

"Crafted from a selection of organically grown 100% Sangiovese deriving from the estate’s best vineyards. Layers and layers of juicy red and blue fruits mingle with warm spices, pressed fresh herbs, violet petals, sun-warmed loam, and touches of roasted game and blackberry jam. Tannins are intense and grippy, but matched by kinetic acidity and copious dry extract, this wine has the structure to age for decades. An elegant minerality and savory herbs underlie the wine’s lingering, resonant crescendo." importer note.

On the 2015 (94 region rating)- 99 pts Vinous - “The 2015 Flaccianello della Pieve is even more stratospheric than it was last year. Rich and ample on the palate, Flaccianello captures all of the best qualities of this radiant vintage. The blend of sites, all in higher altitude spots near the center of town, yields a gorgeous, riveting wine of the very highest level. Dense and brooding, with magnificent energy as well as nuance, the 2015 Flaccianello is positively stunning.”

On the 2017 (92 region rating)- 96 pts Wine Advocate - "Crafted from a selection of organically grown 100% Sangiovese deriving from the estate’s best vineyards. Layers and layers of juicy red and blue fruits mingle with warm spices, pressed fresh herbs, violet petals, sun-warmed loam, and touches of roasted game and blackberry jam. Tannins are intense and grippy, but matched by kinetic acidity and copious dry extract, this wine has the structure to age for decades. An elegant minerality and savory herbs underlie the wine’s lingering, resonant crescendo." importer note.

Reply to order. The wine is due to arrive in August.