Country: Italy  Region: Tuscany  Vintage: 2009 Varietal: N Rhone style  Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red Producer: Fontodi Estate "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 48 years, and has transformed 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 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 their natural amphitheatre shape allow the grapes to ripen fully. Soils here allow for excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to put down deep roots. Giovanni has converted to organic viticulture and is now following biodynamic principles in order 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 fruit is preserved in the finished wine. Giovanni’s Chianti Classico always shows great depth of flavour, with the 2013 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 with 2012 Giovanni decided the Sangiovese needed no further help. 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 and fleshy and ages beautifully. The Dino is made with 100% Sangiovese and remains for 12 months on its skins without sulfites in orci (amphorae) made at the Manetti terracotta factory. The orci are left to rest in the cellar at ambient temperature of 14° C and 80% humidity, perfect conditions for a very slow evolution. The Fontodi Vin Santo is voluptuous and nutty, as beautifully made as their outstanding olive oil." Winemaker: Giovanni Manetti Vineyards: Grapes for the Syrah are grown in the south-facing Case Via and Pecille vineyards where the vines are guyot trained with a density of 4000 and 6000 vines per hectare. Vinification: Fermentation took place over a period of almost three weeks in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks using wild yeast. The cap was punched down regularly during fermentation. After malolactic fermentation the wine was racked into Allier and Tronçais barrels. The wine remained in oak, of which 50% was new, for approximately 12 months before bottling, followed by 6 months in bottle before release. Tasting Notes: A deep, dark, intensely-coloured wine that opens on the nose with concentrated aromas of cherry, dark plums and a touch of spice. The palate is structured and full-bodied with lovely tannins and chocolate cherry fruit characters. The finish is long and elegant. Food Suggestion: Serve with grilled red meat, savoury Italian sausages or savour with a selection of appetisers. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:14%   Classification: IGT