JAMES SUCKLING 97 POINTS - "A classy, contemporary wine. There is great balance between graphite minerality and aromas of red fruit, violets, roses, irises and licorice. Full-bodied. It shows weight and density on the palate, maintaining tension and youthful red cherry fruit. A bit warming and lifted yet long, with great potential for aging."
Since starting to bottle in 1968, the gorgeous organically-farmed Fontodi estate has become an icon for the modernization of the Chianti Classico region. They helped popularize pure Sangiovese and aging in small French oak barrels, perfecting their elegantly bold, polished, and precise house style. Their calling card Chianti Classico is really like a riserva bottling, and their two Gran Selezioni approach the full-bodied power of Brunello, but with the fresher tones and elegance of Chianti. They identify their famous flagship, Flaccianello, as a "super-Tuscan:" rich and more open-knit, it's a selection of powerfully ripe fruit from across their vineyards. Thanks to their continued work to be even better, their latest wines are simply outstanding!
The estate lies in the heart of Chianti Classico, with vineyards on the ridge of the famous "Conca d'Oro" (golden shell) amphitheater of the Panzano area. The wines here have a tension between their generous structure and the depth and breadth of their dark-red and purple-toned cores: firm, earthy tannins help ground them, while a core of luminous acidity energizes. The aging in small French oak barrels contributes to the darker tones and extra richness in texture, with an infusion of oak spice (cinnamon & incense) and mocha. Perhaps the true magic of these powerhouse wines lies in their broad, but elegantly tapered, finishes, making them a pleasure to drink. They also age gloriously, if that's your style! We suggest letting the top bottlings breathe in the decanter for an hour or two, and partner them with rich, meaty dishes!
Rich, thoroughly dark-toned and more open-knit, this is aged in more new French oak barrels than the other wines. This is definitely the bottling closest to the style of Brunello, so it's appropriate that they have stuck with the "Toscana" label rather than Chianti Classico: it embodies the spirit of the super-Tuscan category.
Since starting to bottle in 1968, the gorgeous organically-farmed Fontodi estate has become an icon for the modernization of the Chianti Classico region. They helped popularize pure Sangiovese and aging in small French oak barrels, perfecting their elegantly bold, polished, and precise house style. Their calling card Chianti Classico is really like a riserva bottling, and their two Gran Selezioni approach the full-bodied power of Brunello, but with the fresher tones and elegance of Chianti. They identify their famous flagship, Flaccianello, as a "super-Tuscan:" rich and more open-knit, it's a selection of powerfully ripe fruit from across their vineyards. Thanks to their continued work to be even better, their latest wines are simply outstanding!
The estate lies in the heart of Chianti Classico, with vineyards on the ridge of the famous "Conca d'Oro" (golden shell) amphitheater of the Panzano area. The wines here have a tension between their generous structure and the depth and breadth of their dark-red and purple-toned cores: firm, earthy tannins help ground them, while a core of luminous acidity energizes. The aging in small French oak barrels contributes to the darker tones and extra richness in texture, with an infusion of oak spice (cinnamon & incense) and mocha. Perhaps the true magic of these powerhouse wines lies in their broad, but elegantly tapered, finishes, making them a pleasure to drink. They also age gloriously, if that's your style! We suggest letting the top bottlings breathe in the decanter for an hour or two, and partner them with rich, meaty dishes!
Rich, thoroughly dark-toned and more open-knit, this is aged in more new French oak barrels than the other wines. This is definitely the bottling closest to the style of Brunello, so it's appropriate that they have stuck with the "Toscana" label rather than Chianti Classico: it embodies the spirit of the super-Tuscan category.
