2017 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo BIO

74.95 61.94
Type of Wine Red
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Appellation Chianti (Classico)
Winery Fontodi
Year 2017
Grape Sangiovese
Content (Alc) 0.75 ltr (15%)
Drink window 2022 - 2047
View all characteristics Discover more about this wine

Everyone has probably heard of Chianti, the most photographed landscape in the world in the heart of Tuscany, in the triangle of Florence, Siena and Arezzo. A region full of art, culture, delicious food and above all wine. There is one grape that reigns in Chianti, and that is Sangiovese, the red superstar in Italy. The best wine is made from this in the Chianti Classico region. And within this region you have the superlative in terms of quality around the village of Panzano. Similar to a Grand Cru area in Burgundy. Giovanni Manetti of Fontodi winery owns the very best vineyards in the Conca d'Oro valley. In a kind of natural amphitheater at an altitude of 450 meters, the grapes ripen optimally here thanks to the excellent microclimate, which ensures a lot of heat and sufficient difference in day and night temperature. The grazing Chianina cows between the vineyards undoubtedly provide a tender piece of meat at the local butcher.

Manetti also grows a little Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and even Pinot Noir, a rarity in these parts. Winemaker Franco Bernabei adds approximately 10% Cabernet Sauvignon to the Sangiovese grapes from the Vigna del Sorbo vineyard for this Classico Riserva. One of the first blends from Chianti, where the grapes from the 35-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines are picked 1 to 2 weeks later than the Sangiovese grapes. With their own rules they blend a wine that gives a softer mouthfeel, but also keeps its body. Fermentation in temperature controlled tanks with own yeast for at least 3 weeks. 24 months aging in oak wine barrels, 50% new, 50% old. Very elegant with a romantic nose of sweet cherries, spices, spicy, very concentrated fruit, super elegant, beautifully expressive, rich and intense, nice tannic structure. The term Riserva means that it rests in oak barrels for another year longer than the 'normal' Classico. The result is both power and elegance. Juicy, fruity and spicy, in short, a wine you can't get enough of, so make sure you have enough stock at home.

94/100 Parker & 95/100 Suckling

Vineyard for 2017 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo BIO

Fontodi winery is located in Panzano, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region and has a long history. Vines were already cultivated here during the Roman era and evidence has been found that vinification already took place on this farm, called Via, in the 16th century. The current owner, the Manetti family, also has a long history in the Chianti area, although not in wine growing. This family made terracotta for about 300 years and started producing wine in 1968 after purchasing Fontodi.

Giovanni Manetti, assisted by his cousin Marco, is in charge of the 70 hectare vineyard. Giovanni's first involvement with the company was in 1979. Shortly afterwards, he hired renowned oenologist Franco Bernabei to work together to improve numerous practices. A very important development is the construction of an ultra modern cantina which was completed in 1998. Here the wines are fermented in stainless steel, temperature controlled tanks to get more extraction. Once ready, the wines are brought by gravity, instead of pumps, to the brand new barrel cellar and aged there on French oak. The premier cuvees go on new oak, the other wines go in the older barrels. Otherwise, here is the use of no-toast oak barrels to maintain a bit more freshness in the wine.
With all the vineyards, located in the Conca d'Oro valley, which means golden cap, Fontodi is one of the most respected producers in Chianti Classico. Organic viticulture, biodynamic wine making, creating beautiful fruits to produce a portfolio of artisan stylish wines. With their sense of tradition, an abundance of typicity and yet looking ahead, they know how to make characteristic wines from mainly Sangiovese grapes. Wines that should not be missing from any Italy fan!

A high-quality Chianti Classico with a maximum maturation of 1 year, a Riserva that can be considered one of the first Sangiovese-Cabernet blends due to the perfect collaboration of Giovanni and Franco, and a Super-Tuscan with the name Flaccianello della Pieve from only Sangiovese that scores points at Robert Parker. Important other wines are the Pinot Nero, from the educational period of Giovanni, when he looked with great inspiration at Burgundy and the Syrah planted as a youthful experiment. The latter 2 are bottled under the name Via. In short, wines that should not be missing from any Italy fan!

In the last 17 editions of the Gambero Rosso it has no less than 13 times a rating of 'Tre Bicchieri'. The highest possible.

More Information
Type of Wine Red
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Appellation Chianti (Classico)
Winery Fontodi
Grape Sangiovese
Biological certified Yes
Vegan No
Year 2017
Drinking as of 2022
Drinking till 2047
Alcohol % 15
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 94
James Suckling rating 95
Tasting Profiles Earthy, Complex, Dry, Aged on wood, Powerful, Mineral, Red fruit, Tannines, Full
Drink moments Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Romantisch
Write Your Own Review
You're reviewing:2017 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo BIO
Your Rating

Grandcruwijnen

Which dish goes perfectly with this wine?

Our online smart sommelier will help you!

Latest review

25.05.2023

Champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut Veuve Fridge SMEG

"Een echte Eyecatcher om te presenteren. " Hanna

View product review