Chianti Classico, Vigna del Sorbo & Flaccianello
The Manetti family has owned Fontodi since 1969 but the Manettis have 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. Giovanni Manetti has run the wine-side since 1980 and ensures the wines are as meticulously made as the vineyards are immaculately tended. The 80 hectares of vineyard, 90% of which are Sangiovese, are situated in the prime ‘Conca d’Oro’ (golden shell) of Panzano, and over the past six years these have been converted to organic viticulture. Giovanni is now following biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit.
2017 was a good but small vintage with quantity 20% down on 2016, which in itself was around 30% down on 2015. For this reason, quantities are restricted. The good news is that 2018 looks to be back to normal levels, so next year should see volumes return for us all.
Chianti Classico 2017
£90.00 per 6 IB
"The 2017 Chianti Classico Fontodi is a wine of extreme elegance that shows how much the house style has evolved here. A decade ago, in a warm year the Fontodi Chianti Classico would have been opulent, but these days proprietor Giovanni Manetti seeks finesse more than power, and that is exactly what comes through here. Ripe red Sangiovese fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice infuse this racy, exotic Chianti Classico with so much character. The 2017 spent two years in oak, half in cask and half in neutral oak. I loved it."
94 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Vigna del Sorbo 2017
£279.00 per 6 IB
"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years and drink well to age 25-30 if not longer. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti gave the 2017 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask."
96+ points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Flaccianello della Pieve 2017
£455.00 per 6 IB
"The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine."
97 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous