Fontodi Chianti Classico 2018

Fontodi Chianti Classico 2020 is a certified organic red that captures the dark, soulful side of Sangiovese from Panzano in Chianti. Generous yet precise, it layers ripe blackberries and dark cherries over earthy notes of crushed stone that speak clearly of its schist-rich soils. Compared to Fontodi’s more floral Filetta di Lamole, this Chianti Classico shows greater structure, depth and fruit weight, embodying the modern benchmark style of the appellation while remaining firmly rooted in Tuscan tradition.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Fontodi Chianti Classico 2020 shows a deep, vibrant ruby-red hue with a garnet edge, signaling both concentration and classic Sangiovese character. The nose opens with aromas of dark berries—blackberry, black cherry and plum—woven together with hints of violet, dried herbs and subtle spice. A distinct mineral streak of crushed rock and warm earth runs through the bouquet, reflecting the schistous soils of Panzano. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a firm yet polished tannin structure that gives it both grip and finesse. Juicy dark fruit is supported by lively acidity, making the wine feel energetic rather than heavy, while savory notes of tobacco leaf, leather and graphite add complexity on the mid-palate. The finish is long, mineral-driven and refreshing, with lingering notes of black cherry and subtle spice. Enjoyable now with a short decant, it has the balance and structure to evolve gracefully over the next 8–12 years, gaining further nuance and tertiary complexity.

Production
The grapes for Fontodi Chianti Classico 2020 come from organically farmed vineyards in Panzano, at the heart of Chianti Classico, where elevations and well-drained, schist-rich (galestro) soils provide ideal conditions for Sangiovese to ripen slowly and fully. Meticulous vineyard work, including careful canopy management and green harvesting, ensures optimal concentration and health of the fruit. Grapes are harvested by hand, allowing strict selection of bunches at the vine. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, followed by maceration to gently extract color, tannins and flavor. The wine is then aged in oak (primarily large casks and tonneaux) to refine its structure and integrate the oak without overpowering the pure expression of fruit and terroir, before bottling a substantial yet carefully crafted production of around 170,000 bottles.

Food & Serving
This Chianti Classico is a natural partner for classic Tuscan cuisine: think bistecca alla fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, ragù-based pastas, wild boar, or hearty dishes with porcini mushrooms and aged Pecorino Toscano. It also pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, game birds, and wood-fired pizzas topped with cured meats or earthy vegetables. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic complexity. Decant for 45–60 minutes in its youth to soften the tannins and allow the dark fruit and mineral notes to fully emerge; as it ages, a shorter decant will be sufficient to awaken its more evolved nuances.

Producer
Fontodi is one of the most respected estates in Chianti Classico, located in the renowned Conca d’Oro (Golden Basin) of Panzano, a prime amphitheater of vineyards known for producing some of the appellation’s most distinctive Sangiovese. Under the stewardship of the Manetti family, the estate has been a pioneer of quality-focused, sustainably farmed and certified organic wines in the region. Over the decades, Fontodi has helped redefine what Chianti Classico can be—combining traditional Tuscan character with modern precision—with its flagship wines often receiving top critical acclaim and serving as benchmarks for both the Panzano subzone and the broader Chianti Classico region.

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