The Manetti family has owned Fontodi since 1968 but has been in Chianti for centuries, producing the finest terracotta at their factory in Ferrone. The same attention to detail on their terracotta has been brought to bear on Fontodi over the past 50 years, transforming a crumbling farmhouse with a few hectares of vineyard into one of Chianti Classico’s most impressive estates.

The Fontodi estate has 90 hectares of vineyards, all of which are farmed organically and found in the Conca d'Oro, an amphitheatre-shaped valley to the south of Panzano. This shape facilitates the full ripening of the grapes. Flaccianello is made from a selection of the best grapes from the best parts of the Fontodi vineyards, located on the top of a hill at 480 metres of altitude. The soil is classic 'galestro', the schistous clay on which the Sangiovese grape produces its best results.

Vinification: After picking, the grapes were carried to the Fontodi winery and carefully selected on sorting tables. Fermentation and maceration lasted for two weeks in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. The cap was punched down twice a day during fermentation, which reached a maximum temperature of 30ºC. The wine was then racked into 80% new French oak barriques for 18 months before being blended and moved to a mixture of large oak casks for another six months prior to bottling.

Weather The 2018 vintage in Tuscany commenced with a relatively cool spring. Summer saw average temperatures with an increased level of precipitation which ensured that there was little stress to the vines. Maturation was slightly delayed and the relatively humid conditions during the summer required a lot of work in the vineyards to preserve the healthiness of the grapes. Conditions in September and October were beautiful. The plots that were able to benefit from the extra ripening time produced fruit that displayed impressive structure and elegance while preserving acidity and therefore balance.

Technical Information:
Grape: 100% Sangiovese
Region: South of Panzano in the heart of Chianti Classico, Tuscany
Winemaker: Giovanni Manetti
Alcohol: 15 %
Acidity: 6.40 g/l
Residual sugar: 0.20 g/l
pH: 3.40
Closure: Natural Cork

Tasting Note: This Sangiovese is bright, ruby red in colour. On the nose, aromas of ripe dark cherries, violets and plums, complemented by a hint of spice. This wine has wonderful structure and the palate is typically rich and full complemented by racy acidity and characteristically fine, supple tannins. The finish is flavourful and persistent.

The Manetti family has owned Fontodi since 1968 but has been in Chianti for centuries, producing the finest terracotta at their factory in Ferrone. The same attention to detail on their terracotta has been brought to bear on Fontodi over the past 50 years, transforming a crumbling farmhouse with a few hectares of vineyard into one of Chianti Classico’s most impressive estates.

Giovanni Manetti has run the property since 1980 and ensures the wines are as meticulously made as the vineyards and cellar are both immaculately tended. Giovanni’s 90 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 natural amphitheatre allow the grapes to ripen fully, while the altitude ensures cool nights for good acidity retention and lovely aromatics. Soils here allow for excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to reach deep with their roots. Giovanni has converted to organic viticulture and is now following biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit.

In the winery, his approach is similarly non-interventionist (very low toast oak, for example) to ensure that the quality of the fruit is preserved in the finished wine. Giovanni’s Chianti Classico always shows great depth and intensity, while maintaining balance. The ‘Vigna del Sorbo’ Gran Selezione is intensely concentrated. Previously containing a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, in 2012 Giovanni decided the Sangiovese needed no further supplement. ‘Flaccianello’, made with the estate’s best Sangiovese, is fast becoming one of Italy’s most sought-after wines. It is powerful, fleshy and ages beautifully. The ‘Dino’ is made with 100% Sangiovese and remains for 12 months on its skins without sulphites in orci (amphorae) made at the Manetti terracotta factory. The orci rest in the cellar at the ambient temperature of 14°C and 80% humidity, perfect conditions for a very slow evolution. Giovanni now uses amphorae to vinify a small percentage of all his red wines, including his Sauvignon Blanc, ‘Meriggio’. The Vin Santo is voluptuous and nutty, as beautifully made as their outstanding olive oils. Following years of work on quality olive oil production, Giovanni Manetti have released a new monovarietal olive oil to enhance the quality of Corregiolo.

Winemaker: Giovanni Manetti
Winery Location: Chianti, Tuscany | Italy
Wine Region: Chianti Classico