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. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate states, "A maniacal attention to detail in both the vineyards and cellar sets Fontodi apart as one of Italy's most inspired producers." (Oct, 2010)

Chianti Classico 2008 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 2008. 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. "The 2008 Chianti Classico is very elegant and restrained in this vintage. Sweet red cherries, flowers, tobacco and incense float on a core of bright, persistent minerality. This is a rather Burgundian styled vintage for the Chianti Classico. Readers who may have found the 2006 and 2007 too rich will flip over the 2008. It is a model of precision and elegance. Menthol, spices and a host of balsamic aromas and flavours add complexity on the delineated, precise finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020." 89 points, Wine Advocate, Aug 2011

Chianti Classico 2008 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 beautiful 2008 vintage has yielded a deeply coloured, highly extracted wine. "The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is beautiful in this vintage. It shows gorgeous mid-palate depth and pliancy, with wonderful richness in its sweet dark fruit, smoke, licorice and grilled herbs. The 10% Cabernet Sauvignon works particularly well in this vintage, as it seems to give the wine a measure of depth and delineation that is less obvious in the Flaccianello. Higher toned floral notes add lift on the finish. The Vigna del Sorbo is a touch restrained in 2008, as are most wines, yet it shows fabulous balance and tons of personality. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028." 93 points, Wine Advocate, Aug 2011

Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2008 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 2008 Flaccianello (Sangiovese) emerges from the glass with attractive dark red fruit, tobacco, licorice, sweet spices and new leather. It is interesting to compare the Flaccianello with the Vigna del Sorbo. Here the oak influence is greater, which flattens some of the aromatic complexity, at least today, in favour of more textural sweetness and softness. The 2008 possesses terrific overall balance, length and harmony. This is a mid-weight style of Flaccianello with excellent acidity and bright prospects for developing in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028." 92 points, Wine Advocate, Aug 2011

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