$220.00
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Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Grape: Sangiovese
First Glance: Dense and full-flavoured Chianti
Acclaim: 94 points
The Fontodi estate is based in the Panzano commune, at the very heart of the Chianti Classico region. Vineyards are situated on the "Conca d'oro" a natural amphitheater with south facing exposure and shelter from harsh winds. This prime situation allows the Sangiovese to ripen handily, even in cooler years.
Fontodi is well known for their flag-ship Flaccianello wine, a 100% Sangiovese labelled as IGT Toscana to signify the rather atypical richness and pungent use of new French oak. Indeed across the range, Fontodi's wines are turned up a notch in intensity and density, compared to many other producers in the region.
The core of the range of course is the Chianti Classico, a 100% Sangiovese wine which sees mainly used French Troncais and Allier barriques for 18 months before bottling, and which always delivers a weighty but not overdone expression of Sangio.
The Review:
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2018 Chianti Classico Fontodi marries the natural concentration of Panzano with the greater vibrancy and energy that are such signatures here in recent years. Dark cherry, plum, graphite, leather, licorice and mocha build effortlessly in the glass. Deep and pliant, with superb integrity and purity, the 2018 is a Rockstar wine and a real standout in its peer group, which is not that of all Chianti Classicos, but of the best wines in the entire appellation. Drink 2024 - 2038.
