Fontodi’s Chianti Classico has always represented the winery’s philosophy that quality is of utmost importance. The winery’s reputation as an outstanding Chianti producer is on display in this benchmark wine. It expresses the estate’s terroir perfectly. Produced with Sangiovese from various vineyards within the property, the wine fermented with indigenous yeast in cool tanks, then matured for 18 months in Troncais and Allier casks. An additional three months in bottle give the finished wine a rounded, full texture.

“Giovanni Manetti explains “I have over 20 hectares of over 40 years. Even if there are 20-30 days separating the picking from start to finish in a vintage there is always a marker, especially with sangiovese. And with old vines they are not nearly as susceptible to stressors. This Vigna del Sorbo will succeed, even with all of the (climate events and vintage stressors) mentioned here.” Annata 2019 was bottled in July and is not yet released. “The vintage of balance, pleasant wines, very charming.” That said also toned musculature, grip, fineness of tannins. Plenty of acidity, here at 6.50 tA, chalky liquidity, round enough to offer an immensity of early pleasure. Don’t be fooled into thinking ’19 is simply for the here and now as longevity is a guarantee. This was known from the start when the wines were in tank, showing great perfume and tasting with Fontodi freshness and acidity. Not easy drinking but drinkable, with Panzano resin and parochial acidity. Drink 2022-2027.”
94 points, Michael Godel, WineAlign.com, Oct 2021