Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Fontodi estate is situated in the heart of Chianti Classico, within the renowned Conca d’Oro (Golden Shell) valley near Panzano. This amphitheater-shaped valley provides optimal sun exposure and promotes full grape ripening. The estate’s 99 hectares of organically farmed vineyards lie at elevations reaching 480 meters, where the Sangiovese vines thrive on galestro soils—a schistous clay ideal for producing structured and elegant wines.

The grapes for Flaccianello are carefully selected from the best parcels within the estate. The vineyards are cultivated with organic and biodynamic principles, ensuring the highest quality fruit and a true reflection of the unique terroir.

Winemaking

The 2020 vintage benefitted from a mild winter, a cool spring, and a dry, balanced summer with timely rains in August that supported optimal vine health and ripening. After careful hand-harvesting and sorting, the grapes underwent fermentation and maceration in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for two weeks, with regular punch-downs to enhance extraction. The fermentation temperature reached a maximum of 30°C.

After fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months in 30% new French oak barriques, followed by another six months in large oak casks to achieve harmony and depth. The wine was then bottled and prepared for release, showcasing Fontodi’s commitment to precision and quality.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red with garnet reflections.
• Aromas: Intense and complex, featuring ripe dark cherries, violets, and plums, with subtle hints of spice and earthy undertones.
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied, with vibrant acidity, fine, supple tannins, and a persistent, flavorful finish. Layers of dark fruit and floral notes are complemented by elegant oak integration.

Did you know?

The Manetti family, who owns Fontodi, has been a prominent figure in Chianti for centuries, originally known for their production of terracotta in Ferrone. Flaccianello was first produced in the 1980s, becoming one of Tuscany’s most iconic wines, demonstrating the potential of Sangiovese as a varietal wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: The robust tannins and acidity of the wine pair beautifully with the rich, grilled meat flavors.
• Wild boar ragu over pappardelle: Complements the wine’s earthy and spiced profile.
• Roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic: Matches the wine’s structure and savory undertones.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano cheese: Balances the wine’s vibrant acidity and fruit-forward character.

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.