Fontodi Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Chianti Classico 2023
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 production is as meticulous as the vineyards and cellar are both immaculately tended. Following years of work on quality olive oil production, Giovanni has released a new mono-varietal olive oil to enhance the quality of Corregiolo. In addition to the 99 hectares of vineyard on the Fontodi estate, there are a further 10,000 olive trees situated in a variety of different plots, predominantly on marl soils, at altitudes between 400-500 metres above sea level. The trees are planted in polyconical vase formation at a density of 400 plants per hectare. The olives were picked by hand and carefully pressed on the same day in order to retain the maximum freshness and fragrance of the fruit. Ultra modern, stainless steel continuous presses were used to protect the paste and oil from oxidation. This resulted in fresh, clean oils that will retain their colour and fruitiness for longer. The oil was stored briefly in stainless-steel tanks rather than 'orci' (terracotta urns). It was filtered through cotton and bottled early to maximise freshness. Fontodi's Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is deep green in colour with a fresh aroma of olives, artichokes and aromatic herbs. On the palate it already has a good balance between bitter and spicy notes in the finish while maintaining a great freshness.
