Fontodi Chianti Classico 2020

Wine region: Tuscany, Italy, specifically the Chianti Classico DOCG subzone. This historic region is world-renowned for its Sangiovese-based wines, characterized by their vibrant acidity, firm tannins, and distinctive flavors of cherry, plum, and earthy notes.

Vineyards: Fontodi sources grapes from various organically farmed vineyards across the Chianti Classico appellation, ensuring a diverse representation of the terroir. Vines are situated on rolling hillsides with predominantly calcareous soils, contributing to the wine's mineral character.

Winemaking: Fontodi adheres to organic and biodynamic principles throughout the winemaking process. Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine matures in a combination of large oak barrels and concrete tanks, allowing the fruit to shine while preserving its freshness.

Tasting notes:

• Color: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
• Aroma: A harmonious blend of red and black fruit notes, such as cherry, plum, and blackberry, intertwined with earthy hints of violets, tobacco, and Mediterranean herbs. Some vintages may reveal subtle oak influences of spice and vanilla.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and balanced tannins. The palate echoes the aromas, offering juicy fruit flavors complemented by savory earthiness and subtle oak nuances. The finish is lingering and harmonious, leaving a pleasant impression of depth and character.

Food pairing: This versatile Chianti Classico pairs well with various dishes, including grilled meats, pasta dishes with tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses. Its balanced acidity also makes it suitable for enjoying alongside lighter appetizers or pizza.

(VV)

The Manetti family has owned Fontodi since 1969, but has been in Chianti for centuries - though they have always made wine, their primary business is still the production of Chianti’s finest terracotta at their factory in Ferrone.

The same attention to detail that makes them the best producers of terracotta has been brought to bear on Fontodi over the past 40 years, and has transformed a Giovanni Manetti has run the property since 1980, building a new cellar in 1998 and ensuring that the wines are as meticulously made as the vineyards and cellar are immaculately tended.

Giovanni’s 80 hectares of vineyard, 90% of which are Sangiovese, are situated in the prime "conca d’oro" (golden shell) of Panzano, giving wines of supreme elegance, intensity and longevity. The south facing vineyards and their natural amphitheatre shape allows the grapes to ripen fully. Soils here allow for excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to put down deep roots.

Giovanni has converted to organic viticulture in the past six years, and is now following biodynamic principles in order to obtain the best quality fruit. In the winery, his approach is similarly non-interventionist (very low toast oak, for example) in order to ensure that the quality of the fruit is preserved in the finished wine.