Fontodi Chianti Classico 2013

SKU
FCHC201310 UCAU
  • Aromas of seductive red berries and violets.
  • One of the most respected and cherised producers from Italy.
  • Sourced from a phenomenal private cellar.
  • 1 or more bottles
    $90.00
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  • James Suckling
    94 points
  • Natalie Maclean
    92 points
  • The Wine Advoca
    92 points

Editors notes

Fontodi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico precisely in the valley which lies south of the town of Panzano and is called the "Conca d'Oro" (the golden shell) because of its amphitheatre shape. A genuine and characteristic "Terroir", famous for centuries for its tradition of quality wine cultivation, thanks to a unique combination of high altitude, calcar clayschist soil, lots of light, and a fantastic micro-climate – warm and dry with a marked difference in day and night-time temperatures.

Details

Tasting Profile

  • Light (Light)
    Full (Full)
  • Low Tannin (Low Tannin)
    Tannic (Tannic)
  • Sweet (Sweet)
    Dry (Dry)
  • Low Acidity (Low Acidity)
    High Acidity (High Acidity)
  • Aroma
    • Earthy
    • Roses
    • Tar
  • Palate
    • Floral
    • Savoury
    • Tar

Food Pairings

  • Game
  • Pork
  • Red Meat

Critic Scores & reviews

  • James Suckling

    94
    "A dense and velvety wine with black chocolate and cherry character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Altogether delicious. So well done and from organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."
  • Natalie Maclean

    92
    "A terrifically juicy and well-made Italian red wine, with mouth-watering flavours of ripe blackberries and black raspberries on the nose of this DOCG red wine. Smoke wraps around the black heart of this wine and the finish is as long as a Tuscan sunset. Seductive notes of dark cherries and blackberries on the finish. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes by the Manetti family. Great value. Tannic so decant 2 hours and/or give it more cellar time. Pair with spicy sausages."
  • The Wine Advocate

    92
    "Fontodi's 2013 Chianti Classico is a textbook expression from the appellation. The wine represents a pure expression of Sangiovese that sees six months in large oak casks and an additional 18 months in neutral barrique. Thanks to that non-intrusive aging regime, the wine shows enormous clarity and purity. Sangiovese is front and center. Wild berry, blue flower and tangy spice abound."

Other vintages

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Locations

Italy

Italy has some of the oldest wine production methods in the world and almost every part of the country is planted under vine. From the Alps in the north to the very southernmost parts of Sicily where Africa is almost in sight, wine is successfully cultivated. In addition to the latitude covered, Italy's many mountains and hills provide a plethora of altitudes for grape growing in various soils and micro-climates. The extensive coastlines along the peninsula that is Italy provide maritime climates for the coastal wine-growing areas. Over 350 grape varieties are 'authorised' in Italy, though up to 550 varieties are thought to be grown.

The classification system of Italian wines has four classes, with the intention of defining a wine's origin a quality. Two of these classes are table wines, whilst DOC and DOCG fall under the EU quality wine produced in a specific region category. Vino da Tavola (VDT) means that the wine comes from Italy. Most of these wines are generally basic table wines that are consumed domestically. Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) denotes a more specific region within Italy, and the resultant will be of higher quality than simple table wines, but won't conform to the rules required for higher certification. Both Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) are regionally more specific than IGT, and have stricter rules regarding the grape varieties grown, yields per hectare, minimum alcohol levels and so on. The major difference between DOC and DOCG is that the latter has to undergo a blind-tasting session to ensure the highest quality is achieved. Italy has 32 DOCG appelations, 311 DOC appelations and 120 IGT zones.

Key regions include Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo, Veneto, Sicily and Sardinia. Common white varieties grown are Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Vermentino, Verdicchio, Fiano and Moscato. The red varieties grown the most are Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Nero d'Avola and Corvina.

Tuscany

Tuscany is the oldest wine region in Italy, with a long history dating back over 2700 years. The region is on the Western coast of Italy, stretching from the coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea all the way to the Apennine mountains, with the majority of the region being quite hilly.

Contributing to around 6% of Italy's total wine output, Tuscany is the third most planted region, but only the eight biggest producer. Much of this can be attributed to the hilly terroir and poor soils leading to lower yields, but generally higher quality wines. The region produces far more red than white wine, and is responsible for two of the most famous Italian red wines, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.

Chianti was first classified in 1716, and the region of Tuscany now has 29 DOC and 7 DOCG classifications. In the 1970s 'Super Tuscan' wines emerged of supreme quality, commanding very high prices. Although they were initially produced outside the DOC or DOCG zones, most of the regions have since been classified, though some producers still opt to use the simpler and less restrictive IGT labelling.

The famous red wine Chianti is based on the the Sangiovese variety, though is most commonly blended with Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. The blending of multiple grapes is common, even Bordeaux blends can be found. White wines produced include Vermentino, Vernaccia, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.

Chianti Classico

The Chianti Classico is a subregion of Tuscany, Italy, covering approximately 260 square kilometers. It is situated between the ancient cities of Florence to the north and Siena to the south. The area is known for producing some of the best Sangiovese-based wines, which are medium-bodied with medium to high acidity and firm tannins.

The Classico area is composed of four communes - Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, and Radda in Chianti. These communes are entirely located within the Chianti Classico subregion, and each contributes to the unique character and style of the wines produced.

The region's soils are weathered sandstone and bluish-gray chalky marlstone, which contribute to the varied range of wines produced. The altitude, ranging from 250 to 610 meters, also adds to the complexity of the wines. Chianti Classico wines are typically fragrant, elegant, and display flavors of cherries, plums, and spices. They are excellent with a wide range of foods, but especially with pizza.

The region produces over 8 million cases of wines classified as DOC level or above. This is a testament to the quality of the wines produced in this region, which have earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Chianti Classico wines offer so much character and interest that they are well worth exploring for wine lovers and connoisseurs alike.

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About the brand Fontodi

Fontodi is an iconic Tuscan producer, whose wines typically sell out quickly. Fontodi is a certified organic estate located in the heart of Chianti Classico precisely in the valley which lies south of the town of Panzano and is called the 'Conca d’Oro' (the golden shell) because of its amphitheatre shape.

This genuine Terroir has been famous for centuries for its tradition of quality wine cultivation, thanks to a unique combination of high altitude, calcar clayschist soil, lots of light, and a fantastic micro-climate.

‘Giovanni Manetti's 2010s will one day be regarded as some of his greatest wines. From top to bottom, the Fontodi 2010s are superb. In particular, over the last few years I have been increasingly impressed with the Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo...’ -Antonio Galloni, August 2012

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