Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione “Vigna del Sorbo” 2019 – Fontodi

The grapes to produce the Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione “Vigna del Sorbo” Fontodi were carried to the winery and carefully selected on sorting tables. Grapes were fermented in stainless-steel tanks for 14 days. During fermentation and maceration the cap was punched down twice a day. After fermentation the wine was aged in Tronçais and Allier barriques, of which 50% were new, for 18 months and an extra six months in botte grande (large oak barrels of 25,37,50HL) prior to bottling. It remained in bottle for at least six months before release.

Vigna del Sorbo is made with Sangiovese grapes from a south – west facing seven – hectare vineyard in the Conca d’Oro valley, an amphitheatre-shaped valley to the south of Panzano, at the heart of Chianti Classico. Well-draining ‘Scaglia Toscana’ soils are made up of a mixture of Galestro (clay schist) and Alberese (limestone) and encourage the vines to grow deep roots. The altitude is around 420 meters above sea level and the oldest vines were planted in 1968.

Fontodi winery is run by the Manetti family since 1968 but has been in Chianti for centuries. Though they have always made wine, their primary business is still the production of Chianti’s finest terracotta at their factory in Ferrone. Giovanni Manetti has run the property since 1980 and ensures the wines are as meticulously made as the vineyards are immaculately tended. Their 99 hectares of vineyard, 95% of which are Sangiovese, are situated in the prime ‘Conca d’Oro’ (golden shell) of Panzano, and have been converted to organic viticulture. Giovanni is now following biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit.