Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG

After picking, the grapes were carried to the Fontodi winery and carefully selected on sorting tables. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks with indigenous yeasts and lasted for around two weeks. After fermentation, the wine was racked into 225-litre French oak barriques, a mixture of Tronçais and Allier, where it underwent malolactic fermentation. It then spent additional time in second use barriques before bottling. Finally, the wine matured in bottle in the Fontodi cellars before release.

Though the Manetti family has owned Fontodi since 1968, they have lived in Chianti for centuries, producing some of Italy’s finest terracotta at their factory in Ferrone. The same attention to detail afforded to their terracotta has been reflected at 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, with the vineyards and cellar immaculately tended. Giovanni’s 90 hectares of vineyard, 90% of which are Sangiovese, are planted in Panzano's prime ‘conca d‘oro’ (golden shell), creating wines of supreme elegance, intensity and longevity. The south-facing vineyards and natural amphitheatre allow grapes to ripen fully, while the high elevations ensure cool nights, resulting in good acidity retention and lovely aromatics. Soils here allow for excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to reach deep into the earth with their roots. Giovanni has converted to organic viticulture and follows biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit.

In the winery, Giovanni’s approach is similarly non-interventionist. For example, he utilises very low toast oak to ensure the quality of fruit is preserved in the finished wine. Giovanni’s Chianti Classico always shows great depth and intensity while maintaining balance.