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| Fontodi Producer website Producer Location
Source: VinConnect (VinConnect.com) One of the most admired and dynamic estates in the Chianti Classico area, Fontodi is located in the acclaimed “Conca d’Oro” (Golden Shell), an amphitheatre of vineyards just south of the hilltop town of Panzano in Chianti. The area’s particular terroir has been highly regarded for centuries for its quality wine production, thanks to a unique combination of altitude, soil composition, sunny exposure and ideal microclimate (warm and dry with a significant difference in day and nighttime temperatures). In 1968, the Fontodi property was purchased by the Manetti family, historically renowned for centuries in the Chianti area for its production of characteristic terracotta tiles. Since that time, the Manetti family has been continuously dedicated to the improvement and development of the entire estate, today under the guidance of Giovanni Manetti, from the state of the art production facilities to the meticulously tended vineyards. The estate is certified organic and extends over about 130 hectares (320 acres), of which 80 (200 acres) are planted to vine. The property also farms about 40 hectares (100 acres) of olive trees, for the production of organic olive oil, and raises its own herd of Chianina cattle, utilizing the manure, mixed with vine cuttings, for organic compost. Every aspect of the activities carried out in the winery and vineyard are based on the principles of respect for nature and sustainability, essentially allowing the estate to operate autonomously by maximizing internal resources. The result is a wine that is a truer and more pure expression of the grape variety and the territory. A new and modern cellar has recently been added to the property, constructed on descending levels to take advantage of gravity, a much softer process for the grapes, guaranteeing the utmost respect for the natural integrity of each berry. Vinification is carried out in stainless steel tanks or large wooden casks and ageing takes place in a combination of oak casks and French oak barriques, depending on the particular wine. Sangiovese-based wines make up the majority of the production with celebrated labels such as the Flaccianello della Pieve, Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo and Chianti Classico. Fontodi also produces several wines from international grape varieties including Case Via Syrah, Case Via Pinot Nero, and Meriggio Sauvignon Blanc. Antonio Galloni of The Wine Advocate recently said of Manetti: “A maniacal attention to detail in both the vineyards and cellar sets Fontodi apart as one of Italy’s most inspired producers.”SangioveseSANGIOVESE: (Pronounced "sahn-joh-vhe-se"). Sangiovese - Italy's claim to fame, the pride of Tuscany. Traditionally made, the wines are full of cherry fruit, earth, and cedar. It produces Chianti (Classico), Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano, Montefalco Rosso, and many others. Sangiovese is also the backbone in many of the acclaimed, modern-styled "Super-Tuscans", where it is blended with Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc) and typically aged in French oak barrels, resulting a wine primed for the international market in the style of a typical California cabernet: oaky, high-alcohol, and a ripe, jammy, fruit-forward profile.[16]
Semi-classic grape grown in the Tuscany region of Italy. Used to produce the Chianti and other Tuscan red wines. Has many clonal versions, two of which seem to predominate. The Sangiovese Grosso clone Brunello variety is used for the dark red, traditionally powerful and slow-maturing "Brunello di Montalcino" wine. The other is the Sangiovese Piccolo, also known under the historical synonym name Sangioveto, used for standard Chianti Classico DOC wines. Old vine derived wine is often used in the better versions, needing several years ageing to reach peak. A third clone, Morellino, is used in a popular wine blend with the same name found in the southern part of the province. Recent efforts in California with clones of this variety are very promising, producing medium-bodied reds with rich cherry or plumlike flavors and aromas. Among the available clonal versions are R6 and R7, derived from the Montalcino region of Italy, having average productivity/ripening and producing small berries on medium size clusters. R10 and R24 are well-recommended. R23, listed as deriving from the Emilia-Romagna region, has good vigor with medium-small clusters with earlier ripening. R102 derives from the Montepulciano region and reported to have average vigor with moderate productivity that results in higher sugar levels and good acidity from medium-small berries on medium-small clusters. Has synonym name of Nielluccio where grown in Corsica.Italy Italian Wines (ItalianMade.com, The Italian Trade Commission) | Italian Wine Guide on the WineDoctorTuscany Tuscany (ItalianMade.com) | TuscanytChianti Consorzio Vino Chianti | Chianti (wikipedia) |
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