Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG Tuscany, Italy
Fontodi has been run by Giovanni Manetti since 1980, after his father Dino, a Florentine tile manufacturer, bought it in 1968. Giovanni’s peerless attention to detail has made this estate one of Chianti’s crown jewels, and he now follows biodynamic principles to make sure he starts out with the very best fruit. The family even raises their own Chianina cattle, using the manure on the vineyards as organic fertilizer.*
The vineyards are situated right in the middle of the historic Chianti Classico zone. They occupy the Concha d’Oro, or the Golden Shell, an amphitheatre of vineyards known for its unique geologic shape that ensures the vines receive the perfect amount of sunshine. Its schist soils are the best possible ground for sangiovese.*
The 2021 Fontodi Chianti Classico has aromas of sour and black cherries with accents of violets, leather, and thyme. The palate is medium-bodied but powerful, showing rich, concentrated flavors of black cherries and plums balanced by vibrant acidity and firm yet pliant tannins. The finish is long and savory, with lingering mineral and herbal notes.
Check out the press!
94 points, Decanter:
"Emblematic of the exceptional quality offered at Chianti Classico’s annata level, Fontodi’s 2021 over-delivers yet again, exuding the wild, tousled, arid Tuscan countryside on a backdrop of dark, layered fruit. Hints of coffee and liquorice ripple through concentrated black cherry and blackberry. With ripe, gravelly tannins, this shows the power of the vintage without being forceful and maintains charismatic energy throughout. It's worth waiting a few more months before tucking in, but properly cellared, this will easily keep delivering for a decade."
"Emblematic of the exceptional quality offered at Chianti Classico’s annata level, Fontodi’s 2021 over-delivers yet again, exuding the wild, tousled, arid Tuscan countryside on a backdrop of dark, layered fruit. Hints of coffee and liquorice ripple through concentrated black cherry and blackberry. With ripe, gravelly tannins, this shows the power of the vintage without being forceful and maintains charismatic energy throughout. It's worth waiting a few more months before tucking in, but properly cellared, this will easily keep delivering for a decade."
94 points, Vinous:
"The 2021 Chianti Classico is classic wine from the estate, done in the more restrained style that has become the norm here of late. There's plenty of Panzano richness, but more energy and less heaviness than what was common just a few years ago. Giovanni Manetti and his team have given the Chianti Classico gorgeous refinement. Spice, flowers, mocha, and blue fruits linger, all wrapped together by ultra-finessed tannins. The 2021 spent 20-22 months in barrel—65% cask and 35% neutral French oak barriques."
"The 2021 Chianti Classico is classic wine from the estate, done in the more restrained style that has become the norm here of late. There's plenty of Panzano richness, but more energy and less heaviness than what was common just a few years ago. Giovanni Manetti and his team have given the Chianti Classico gorgeous refinement. Spice, flowers, mocha, and blue fruits linger, all wrapped together by ultra-finessed tannins. The 2021 spent 20-22 months in barrel—65% cask and 35% neutral French oak barriques."
94 points, Wine Spectator:
"This red straddles the fruity and savory sides of sangiovese, revealing cherry and blackberry fruit offset by eucalyptus, juniper, and wild rosemary flavors. Lively and fluid, with tension on the complex, minerally aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2042. 7,800 cases made, 2,240 cases imported."
"This red straddles the fruity and savory sides of sangiovese, revealing cherry and blackberry fruit offset by eucalyptus, juniper, and wild rosemary flavors. Lively and fluid, with tension on the complex, minerally aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2042. 7,800 cases made, 2,240 cases imported."
*from winemaker and importer notes
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