2019 Fontodi Flaccianello Della Pieve Methusalem (6 liter)

The 2019 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Methusalem (6L) is a monumental expression of pure Sangiovese from one of Tuscany’s most acclaimed estates. Bottled in the rare Methuselah format, this is not only a spectacular wine for the cellar, but also a dramatic centerpiece for any serious gathering or celebration. Sourced from the estate’s oldest, most meticulously tended parcels, it showcases the depth, precision, and elegance that have made Flaccianello a modern icon of Tuscan wine. Lauded by critics such as Robert Parker and Antonio Galloni, the 2019 vintage continues the wine’s legacy as one of Italy’s benchmark reds, built for both immediate pleasure and long-term aging.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve shows a deep, radiant ruby-red hue, with a youthful, vibrant rim that hints at its long life ahead. The nose is intense yet refined, opening with pure notes of ripe dark cherries and plums, layered with violet, rose petal, and a whisper of vanilla from its time in French barrique. With air, more complex aromas unfurl: cocoa, tobacco leaf, licorice, and a subtle mineral edge that speaks of its hillside origins. On the palate, this is full-bodied and concentrated, yet beautifully poised. Juicy black and red fruits are wrapped in a velvety texture, supported by fine-grained, polished tannins that give both structure and finesse. The mid-palate is rich and layered, with flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, cocoa, sweet spices, and a touch of savory tobacco evolving with each sip. The finish is long, warm, and impeccably clean, leaving lingering notes of fruit, spice, and a gentle earthiness. In Methuselah format, the wine’s aging curve is even slower and more graceful; while already compelling now with sufficient aeration, it has the potential to evolve and gain complexity over several decades.

Production
Flaccianello della Pieve is crafted from 100% Sangiovese grown on Fontodi’s prime vineyards in the heart of Tuscany, where sun-drenched, well-exposed hillsides and rocky, limestone-clay soils provide ideal conditions for this noble grape. The fruit for Flaccianello comes from the estate’s oldest, best-performing parcels, planted at a high density of about 6,000 vines per hectare and trained using the Guyot pruning system to control yields and enhance concentration. Grapes are rigorously selected and harvested by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy clusters reach the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with only indigenous yeasts, allowing the natural character of the terroir and grape to shine through. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barriques, followed by approximately 18 months of maturation in new French oak barrels made from Allier and Tronçais oak, which lend subtle spice and structure without overwhelming the purity of the fruit. The result is a Sangiovese of remarkable clarity, depth, and longevity, further enhanced by the slow evolution afforded by the Methuselah format.

Food & Serving
This 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve Methusalem is an exceptional partner for refined, flavorful dishes, particularly classic Tuscan cuisine. Think bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised lamb shank, roast veal, wild boar ragù, or aged pecorino and hard cow’s milk cheeses. It also pairs beautifully with truffle-infused dishes, game birds, and rich mushroom preparations that echo the wine’s earthy and savory nuances. Serve at around 18 °C (64–65 °F). Given the format and structure, decant generously—at least 2–3 hours for younger enjoyment, and even longer if you open it within the first decade of its life—to allow the aromatics and texture to fully blossom. For large gatherings, consider using a broad-bottomed decanter and serving in large-bowled glasses to capture the full aromatic range.

Producer
Fontodi is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, located in the historic Panzano area within Chianti Classico, a zone renowned for its quality vineyards and high-altitude, sun-exposed slopes. Owned and run by the Manetti family, who have deep roots in the region through their long-standing involvement in the traditional terracotta industry, Fontodi has been a pioneer in elevating Sangiovese to world-class status. Over the decades, the estate has moved towards meticulous vineyard management and a quality-driven, sustainable approach in the cellar, helping to define the modern style of Chianti Classico and Tuscan Sangiovese. Flaccianello della Pieve, first released in the 1980s, quickly became one of Italy’s most celebrated wines, consistently earning high scores and international acclaim. Today it stands as a benchmark “Super Tuscan” and a reference point for pure Sangiovese, cementing Fontodi’s position as a leader in the region and a must-have name in any serious wine collection.

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