Fontodi | Chianti Classico

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 that makes them the best producers of 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 the natural amphitheatre allow the grapes to ripen fully, while the altitude ensures cool nights, in turn leading to 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) in order to ensure that the quality of the fruit is preserved in the finished wine. Giovanni’s Chianti Classico always shows great depth of flavour, being intense yet balanced. The ‘Vigna del Sorbo’ Gran Selezione is intensely concentrated. It used to contain a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, but in 2012 Giovanni decided the Sangiovese needed no further supplement. ‘Flaccianello’, made from a selection of 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 are left to rest in the cellar at the ambient temperature of 14°C and 80% humidity, perfect conditions for a very slow evolution. Giovanni is now using amphorae for the vinification of a small percentage of all his red wines, as well as his Sauvignon Blanc, ‘Meriggio‘. The Fontodi Vin Santo is voluptuous and nutty, as beautifully made as their outstanding olive oil.

FONTODI