and more:
• Private Wine Events at IWM
• Send an Italian Wine Club Gift!
• More Gift Ideas from IWM

The Heartland of Toscana's Viticulture

In the past weeks IWM has featured Toscana’s best, from the Super Tuscans of Antinori to the Brunellos of Soldera to the Chiantis of Fattoria di Felsina. Today, we continue the noble Sangiovese string with Chianti’s class act, Tenuta Fontodi. Her renowned crus are the Super Tuscan Flaccianello and the Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon favorite Vigna del Sorbo, which are unflinchingly reliable.

Situated between the ancient cities of Siena and Florence is Chianti Classico. Winemaking in this timeless land 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.

Like the producers referenced above, Tenuta Fontodi creates compelling wines at contained prices, making them accessible to all wine enthusiasts. Today we are pleased to offer their two wines dedicated to Sangiovese: the proprietary Flaccianello and the cru select Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo. For more information on this Tuscan institution read on below. Should you have any additional questions or to purchase these wines please contact Perry Porricelli at 212.473.2323.

Click for gift ideas that include the wine caliber of Fontodi!

The Reliable Wines of Fontodi

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 terracotta family famous for more than three centuries, purchased the estate.

Fontodi Flaccianello:
One of the first 100% Sangiovese Super Tuscans, this wine is a cru of grapes from the vineyard of the same name, the "Flaccianello della Pieve." This big red wine combines all the old-world characteristics of Sangiovese with modern vinification techniques. Aged 16 months in small oak barrels, it carries a bouquet of cherry and leather well integrated with a touch of vanilla. Highly structured and full on the palate, the wine opens up with black cherry spice and toasty new oak.

Fontodi 2001 Flaccianello della Pieve $59.00
Flaccianello della Pieve Case $651.36 ($54.28/bottle)

Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo:
While the Flaccianello went on to achieve her "super" status, the cru Vigna del Sorbo became one of the first Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon blends: ironically the latter is actually classified as a DOCG wine 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. A dense ruby color; Chianti's quintessential blend of elegance and power. Rich and concentrated, with smells of saddle leather, cherries, spice box, and smoke. The depth on the palate resembles fruit chutney with splashes of balsamic vinegar.

Fontodi 2000 Vigna del Sorbo Riserva $49.00
Vigna del Sorbo Riserva Case $540.96 ($45.08/bottle)

Click here to order Fontodi by fax!

Classic Chianti Case

Experience six world class wines from Toscana’s Chianti Classico region in either a six-pack (1 of each) or a case (2 of each). This case is a great way to explore the styles of different producers, experience the characteristics of various vintages, and see what makes riservas and single vineyard Chiantis unique. In addition to the featured Chiantis, this educational package includes the Sangiovese based Super Tuscan, Flaccianello. With a nice streak of acidity, these wines have to the potential to provide for a great food and wine pairing.

Fontodi 2001 Flaccianello della Pieve $59.00
Fontodi 2000 Chianti Cl. Ris. Vigna del Sorbo $49.00
Querciabella 2001 Chianti Classico $24.77
Castell'in Villa 1993 Chianti Classico Riserva $32.58
Felsina 2001 Chianti Classico $21.66
Felsina 2000 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia $34.41

IWM Chianti's Class Six Pack (6): $221.42*
IWM Chianti's Class Case (12): $407.41*
*Free delivery to NYC residents

Click here to discover more great Chianti producers!

Private Wine Events at IWM

We know that many of you have tried unsuccessfully to book a holiday event at IWM's Studio del Gusto, and we're pleased to announce that some attractive dates have recently opened up. Take this rare opportunity to host your own corporate or private holiday event before these openings are snatched up! The exclusive room is available to friends of IWM only.

The Studio del Gusto is a state-of-the-art wine tasting facility for those seeking to enrich their knowledge of the wine and culture of Italy. The Studio features comfortable seating and a warm, personal ambiance, and is ideal for both corporate and personal events.

IWM EVENT SERVICES:
- Corporate and private events
- For groups of 15-75 people
- True Italian style vinoteca
- Lectures by in-house Sommeliers & IWM Chef
- Customized programs available
- Tasting Menu prepared by IWM’s Chef Anne Burrell
- Producer and Wine Tasting Notes
- Full tasting menu available

Contact Chef Anne Burrell today at 212.473.2323 or via e-mail to host your own memorable holiday wine tasting event!

Click here to tour the Studio del Gusto!

Send an Italian Wine Club Gift!

IWM’s Exploration Wine Club Passport is the perfect holiday gift for business associates and family! A 3-month membership continues well after the holidays have passed, and the education in Italian wine will serve them forever. This club is the ideal adventure for the novice looking to explore quality Italian wines that are “ready to drink” today. Members receive special benefits, including wine books, six Brunello glasses, limited release bottles, and informative tasting/producer notes that will guide them through the unique wine regions and indigenous varietals of Italy.

Exploration Passport Includes:
- Three Wines per Month
- Individual Producer & Tasting Notes
- Six Spiegelau Brunello Wine Glasses
- Vino Italiano: Regional Wines of Italy (Signed Copy)

At $354.00, this 3-month Passport to Italy is an opportunity to introduce them to the world of Italian wine and let them enjoy bottles from top producers well below market value. To find out more about Exploration and IWM’s other passports (for the experienced enthusiast and the collector) call us at 212.473.2323!

Click here to learn about IWM's other Wine Club options!

More Gift Ideas from IWM

IWM offers a wide range of wine and wine-related gifts for the holidays at every price point. Suggested gifts include wine in elegant wooden gift boxes and baskets, tasting cases for the novice to the connoisseur, educational books on wine and food, and more! Choose a gift from our website from the categories listed below or call for assistance and recommendations. We are also happy to include customized gift cards and individual Producer & Tasting Notes to enhance your gifts.

IWM Gift Ideas:
- Gift Baskets
- Mixed Tasting Cases
- Collectible Antique Corkscrews
- Glassware
- Gift Certificates
- Wine Books
- Wine Tastings In IWMs cellar
- Customized Gifts

IWM's in-house Sommeliers and Portfolio Managers are available to recommend an appropriate gift or to help you design a customized gift. Corporate accounts of all sizes are welcome. Visit our Gift Page by clicking below or call 212.473.2323 to take care of your holiday gifts early!

Click here for suggested gifts from IWM!