Fontodi Chianti Classico, Tuscany

Fontodi's vineyards are located in the heart of Chianti Classico in a valley that opens to the south and is known regionally as the Conca d'Oro. The splendid, full southern exposure of its vineyards produces some of the region's richest fruit. Already famous at the beginning of this century, this estate has been the property of the Manetti family since 1968. Limited supply, enormous demand.

Chianti Classico 2006 Fontodi Chianti Classico is the wine that has always represented the company's philosophy of quality and expresses the estates terroir perfectly. Produced with Sangiovese grapes from various vineyards within their property, it matures for a year in Allier casks with a further 3 months in bottle, giving it roundness and fullness. Fontodi's reputation as an outstanding Chianti producer is amply displayed with the 2006. Commencing with the 1997 vintage, Fontodi discontinued producing Chianti Riserva. They now include the superior fruit in the Chianti Classico. Ultra modern equipment, up-to-the-minute winemaking techniques, and a drive for perfection have resulted in a wine true to Fontodi's superior style. "Beautiful aromas of rich plum and black cherry follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. Drink now. 14,000 cases made." 90 points, Wine Spectator, Oct 2008

Chianti Classico 2004 Riserva "Vigna del Sorbo" Fontodi's Vigna del Sorbo was first produced in the early 1980's by vinifying Sangiovese grapes and Cabernet Sauvigon from the Vigna del Sorbo vineyard in Panzano in Chianti. Since the two varietals are harvested together the blend is fairly constant at 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged in 225 litre Allier oak barriques for 18 months followed by bottle maturation for 6 months. This deep, extremely full wine is the perfect expression of the Vigna del Sorbo terroir. The warm 2004 vintage has yielded a deeply coloured, highly extracted wine. "The 2004 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is an explosive wine endowed with a layered, sumptuous expression of sweet dark fruit. Menthol, licorice and floral overtones develop in the glass, adding further complexity. This stunningly beautiful wine offers tremendous persistence yet it will require patience as its structural components are formidable. I tasted the Vigna del Sorbo several times, including alongside Felsina's Riserva Rancia, consulting oenologist Franco Bernabei's other top-notch Riserva. Both wines were exceptional, but the Vigna del Sorbo showed a touch more freshness typical of wines from Panzano. Simply put, 2004 is a phenomenal vintage for this wine. Vigna del Sorbo is made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon which was grafted onto the rootstocks of the white varieties that were previously planted in the vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024." 95 points, Wine Advocate, June 2008 "With black fruits and light toast on the nose and palate, this is slightly closed, but evidently fine and beautifully structured for bottle-aging. 2010-2022." 5 stars, Decanter, August 2008

Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2005 The Flaccianello vineyard has always produced Sangiovese of superior quality. First released in 1981, Flaccianello was also one of the first Super-Tuscans produced solely from Sangiovese grapes. The now 30 year old vines produce extremely concentrated and flavourful grapes, which in turn, produce the complex yet refined beauty that is Flaccianello. Further refinement is gained from maturation in 225 litre Allier oak barriques for 18 months followed by a year in bottle before release. "Flaccianello della Pieve, Fontodi's Super-Tuscan, is named for the Christian cross in the nearby village of Pieve. In great vintages this is the sort of wine you can drink once and remember forever. It's often one of the more exotic Sangioveses made - syrupy in texture, tooth-stainingly rich, exceptionally complex, and dappled with uncommon flavours such as ginger, black licorice, persimmon and grapefruit. Most impressive of all is the way the wine explodes with sappy juiciness." Karen McNeil, The Wine Bible "The 2005 Flacianello (100% Sangiovese) is a pretty, perfumed effort. This restrained Flaccianello offers plenty of pure, vibrant fruit intermingled with red cherries, spices, smoke and sweet toasted oak. It possesses superb clarity and depth, with beautifully integrated tannins, although clearly it isn't made in the same style as the powerhouse 2004. Still, the wine shows notable class and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022." 93 points, Wine Advocate, June 2008 "Shows complex and subtle aromas of blackberry, black licorice and cedar, with just a hint of dried spices. Full-bodied, with a wonderful concentration of fruit, chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Powerful and layered. Sangiovese. Best after 2012. 3,000 cases made." 94 points, Wine Spectator, web only 2008

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