Fontodi

I had heard enough praise about this producer to warrant a visit even though they had no tour availability for our dates. Fontodi was purchased in 1968 by Florentine tile manufacturer Dino Manetti. His son, Giovanni, now runs the winery.

Fontodi is known for their organically tended vineyards. They use manure from their herd of Chianina beef cattle as a fertilizer base. Their grounds are beautiful and have more of a country winery feel than the bigger Tuscan wineries. Even though the tours were full, we had the front tasting room all to our selves.

Their main wines include a Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorto, and Flaccianello IGT Toscana. The second has traditionally been a blend, with the other two being 100% Sangiovese. Normally the IGT is the blend, but not in this case. When the Flaccianello was first being produced, Chianti Classico was not allowed to be 100% Sangiovese. I guess they just decided to stick with the IGT classification.

The Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorto used to be 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, but recent vintages are now entirely Sangiovese. This is what we chose to bring back; a 2014 with a drink date between 2020 and 2030.