|
|
 Producer:
Tenuta
Fontodi
Region: Toscana
DOC(G):
Chianti
Classico
About the Producer:
Tenuta Fontodi
is Chianti's class act: Her renowned crus are the Super Tuscan
Flaccianello and the Sangiovese-Cabernet
Sauvignon
favorite Vigna del Sorbo, while her Chianti Classico is unflinchingly
reliable. Winemaking in the timeless land of Chianti
Classico dates back to the 8th
century, and the term “Chianti” was applied to wine
as far back as 1398: Tenuta Fontodi is one of many existing estates
that can trace their lineage back to these historic times. Fontodi
is an all-time favorite of IWM and any Tuscan wine enthusiast.
In the 17 published editions of Gambero Rosso, Italy’s acclaimed
wine rating guide, this Tuscan estate has won the coveted Tre Bicchieri
(Three Glasses) award 13 times. And like the other greats of Chianti
Classico (Felsina, Querciabella, Castell'in
Villa...), they did
it by revealing the true essence of the Sangiovese grape and the
local terroir. They maintain tradition even when updating equipment;
in fact, the new cantina works entirely on the gravity principle
(no pumps) though it is fitted with the latest vinification technology.
Resting near Panzano in the epicenter of Toscana's viticulture,
Fontodi's vines enjoy a southern aspect, a position in a natural
amphitheatre, and marl soil. These optimum conditions allow the
grapes to ripen perfectly, therefore creating wines of great character
and structure. The natural potential of the grapes combined with
the leadership of Marco and Giovanni Manetti (cousins who are sons
of the 1968 visionaries) makes for perfection in winemaking. The
estate dates back to the 16th century, but her modern era started
in 1968 when the Manettis, a Florentine family
famous for more than three centuries for their terracotta production,
purchased the estate.
One of the first 100% Sangiovese Super Tuscans, Fontodi's Flaccianello
is a cru of grapes from the vineyard of the same name, the "Flaccianello
della Pieve." This big red wine, which was born in 1981, combines
all the old-world characteristics of Sangiovese with modern vinification
techniques.
While the Flaccianello went on to achieve her "super" status,
the cru Vigna del Sorbo became one of the first Sangiovese-Cabernet
Sauvignon blends: the latter is actually classified as a DOCG wine,
though, and the former an IGT. The grapes are primarily Sangiovese
(with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon) and come from the
Vigna del Sorbo vineyard.
In the nineties, driven to improve quality even further, Manetti
phased out his Chianti Classico Riserva label to focus on his Chianti
Classico, a wine aged in botti (large barrels) that serves as a
fine benchmark for a traditional wine.
Related Wines and Links: Antinori,
Ca' Marcanda, Castell'in
Villa, Castello
dei Rampolla, Cesani,
Cima, Col
d'Orcia, Felsina, Fontodi,
Fossi, Grattamacco,
Guado al Tasso, Le
Macchiole, Montevertine,
Ornellaia, Podere
Forte, Querciabella,
Sassicaia, Tua
Rita, Vignavecchia
(Beccari).
Featured Wine(s):
Tenuta
Fontodi Chianti Classico
Tenuta Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo
Tenuta Fontodi
Flaccianello
To purchase these wines, call our Portfolio
Managers at 212.473.2323.
|
