Fontodi, Vigna del Sorbo 2017

Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo 2017 is a benchmark Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that shows just how refined and powerful pure Sangiovese can be from Tuscany’s famed Conca d’Oro in Panzano. This is a serious, cellar-worthy red that balances richness, structure and elegance, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking top-tier Tuscan wine. Born from a single, historic vineyard, it delivers both a sense of place and a polished, modern expression of tradition. First produced in the 1980s and converted to 100% Sangiovese in 2012, Vigna del Sorbo has become one of the region’s most respected single-vineyard bottlings. The 2017 vintage reflects a warm, low-yield year that concentrated flavor and tannin, resulting in a wine of depth, intensity and impressive aging potential.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Vigna del Sorbo shows a deep, vibrant ruby core with garnet highlights toward the rim, hinting at both youth and developing complexity. Swirl it and you’ll notice excellent color concentration and slow-forming legs that foreshadow richness. The nose is intense and layered: dark cherries, ripe blackberries and plum are wrapped in notes of dried rose, violet, and Mediterranean herbs. Underneath, subtle tones of tobacco leaf, cedar, leather, and warm spice (clove, anise, a touch of vanilla) speak to its élevage in fine oak and its classic Chianti Classico pedigree. On the palate, this is full-bodied yet precise, with a vibrant core of sour cherry and red currant framed by darker fruit and savory undertones of earth, graphite and dried thyme. The tannins are firm, fine-grained and chalky, giving the wine structure without harshness, while the lively, mouthwatering acidity keeps everything fresh and focused. The finish is long and persistent, echoing cherry, spice and a faint hint of balsamic and iron-like minerality. The 2017 Vigna del Sorbo is already compelling in its youth, but its balance of fruit, acidity and tannin suggests an excellent aging curve. Properly stored, it should evolve beautifully over 12–20 years, gaining more tertiary complexity—leather, truffle, dried herbs—while the tannins continue to soften and integrate.

Production
Vigna del Sorbo comes from a single, south-west–facing vineyard in the famed Conca d’Oro (Golden Shell) amphitheatre of Panzano in Chianti, one of the most prized zones in Tuscany. The soils are rich in galestro (friable schistous marl) and alberese (limestone), which combine to give Sangiovese both power and finesse, with pronounced minerality and vibrant acidity. Fontodi farms organically and with a strong focus on sustainability, encouraging low yields and excellent ripeness through careful canopy management and hand work in the vines. The grapes for Vigna del Sorbo are harvested by hand at optimal physiological ripeness, then carefully sorted before fermentation. Fermentation and maceration typically take place in temperature-controlled stainless steel or concrete tanks, with indigenous yeasts and extended skin contact to extract color, aroma and finely textured tannins. The wine is then aged in French oak barriques and tonneaux (a mix of new and used) for around 18–24 months, followed by additional time in bottle before release, allowing the various elements to knit together into a seamless whole.

Food & Serving
This is a classic partner for rich Tuscan cuisine and hearty dishes that can stand up to its structure and depth. Think bistecca alla fiorentina (Tuscan T-bone), grilled lamb chops with rosemary, braised beef short ribs, wild boar ragù over pappardelle, or slow-cooked ossobuco. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano, as well as dishes featuring mushrooms, truffle, or roast game birds. For best enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 1–2 hours is highly recommended in its youth to allow the aromatics to open and the tannins to relax; older bottles (10+ years) may only need a gentle splash decant to separate from any sediment.

Producer
Fontodi is one of the leading estates in Chianti Classico, located in Panzano at the heart of the region. Owned by the Manetti family since the late 1960s, the estate has played a key role in elevating the reputation of Sangiovese and demonstrating the potential of single-vineyard wines from Chianti Classico. The family, historically involved in terracotta production in Impruneta, brought a craftsman’s attention to detail to viticulture and winemaking, investing heavily in quality and sustainability. Fontodi is certified organic and widely respected for its meticulous vineyard work and modern yet terroir-driven style. Vigna del Sorbo, alongside Flaccianello della Pieve, is one of the estate’s flagship wines and a regular recipient of high scores and critical acclaim, cementing Fontodi’s status as a reference-point producer in Tuscany.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.