Fontodi, when I hear the name, my heart leaps. Theirs is a name whose renown in the world of wine is definitely well-deserved. They are, by far, one of the best vineyards in Tuscany, and more specifically in the heart of the Chianti Classico region's "Conca d'Oro" (The Golden Shell: named for it's ampitheatre shape). Not only is Fontodi a beautiful estate, as one would expect from Tuscany, but one whose respect for the land lead them to become a Certified Organic estate. For those who are skeptics of the return to an emphasis in "natural wine" consider this, "Not only are no chemical products used but
there is an effort to maximize the internal resources
of the estate, thereby reducing the need for any external input.
Respecting the environment means wines that are better, purer, and a
truer expression of the grape and the territory." -Giovanni Manetti
Story... The Manetti family have a long history in Chianti going
back over 300 years within the Terracotta industry evoking visions of gorgeous
Tuscan Villas with Terracotta rooftops, sunflowers and vineyards for
miles. Beyond the idyllic settings, Giovanni Manetti made a name for himself with his 100% Sangiovese Grosso wine "Flaccianello delle Pieve I.G.T." which gets it's name from the Etruscan chapel that once resided in the vineyards spot. At it's first release in 1981, the D.O.C. regulations did not allow a 100% Sangiovese wine to be bottled from Chianti Classico, believing that Sangiovese was too rustic a grape to stand alone. Manetti felt the opposite and wanted to exalt Sangiovese as the pearl of Chianti Classico's Panzano zone thus making his Flaccianello IGT the first of it's kind. Year after year, he has recieved praise from press and wine-lovers alike with his 2006 Vintage receiving a 99 Point Score and #8 ranking in Wine Specatator's Top 100 wines of 2009.
The wines... If I could, I would make his Chianti Classico my house wine. A delicious wine made from his Chianti Classico vineyards as well as what was previously his Riserva fruit, which was eliminated from the lineup in the 90's so that he could increase the production and quality of the Chianti Classico. At around $36 - $38 a bottle it's a fantastic price for a Riserva CC.
The next in the line-up the "Vigna del Sorbo Riserva" gives Manetti a chance to play with the grapes using 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from his 30 year old Riserva vineyards with South west exposure. An intense and classic Tuscan wine!
If you haven't tried any or all of the Fontodi line-up and would be interested in doing a tasting with a small group, let me know! I'm working on a tasting of these wines and would love to include some interested Wine bloggers/follower/tweethearts, etc. The wines deserve the attention they've received from press and consumer alike. Or, pick up a bottle: this is a special offer from
Mac's Beer and Wine on the Vigna del Sorbo wine! But I have access to all of their wines and multiple vintage verticals as well! Email me for availability: leigha@macsbeerandwine.com
Fontodi Chianti Classico Vigna del Sorbo Riserva 2006
Mac's Cash Price $60.99 | Case Price $54.89
[Compare at $59.99 - $79.99]
Wine Spectator Score: 95
Full-bodied, displaying an amazing concentration of fruit and big, chewy
tannins. Velvety and chewy, yet there’s so much underneath. Layered and
impressive. What a great wine. Best after 2011.—J.S.
