2021 Fontodi Filetta di Lamole Chianti Classico

One of the leading estates in the Chianti area with ownership in the very best vineyards of Panzano, the "grand cru" area of the region. Top Chianti. This wine shows all the quality of the estate and is therefore the most important wine with 60% of the total production. Hand-picked and treated with respect the grapes show the right character and elegance. The Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is a distinctive wine that confirms Giovanni Manetti's growing love for the high altitude Lamole area of the appellation, which has always been considered somewhat separate or isolated from the rest of the appellation. In the light of climate change, the authenticity of Lamole and the cooler growing conditions are a major asset. Fruit comes from a nine hectare estate at 600 meters altitude. This organic Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is a wine style that will win over lovers of elegant Sangiovese. The wine is zesty and bright with beautiful fresh cherry, blue flower and mineral notes.

Fontodi Winery is located in Panzano, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region and has a long history. Vines were cultivated here since Roman times and there is evidence of vinification taking place on this farm, called Via, as early as the 16th century. The current owners, the Manetti family, also have a long history in the Chianti area, although not in wine growing. For some 300 years they have been making terracotta and in 1968 they started producing wine after purchasing Fontodi. In charge of the 70 hectares of vineyard is Giovanni Manetti, assisted by his nephew Marco. Giovanni's first involvement with the company was in 1979. Shortly afterwards he hired the renowned oenologist Franco Bernabei, to work with him to improve many practices. A very important development was the construction of an ultra-modern cantina, completed in 1998. Here the wines are fermented in stainless steel, temperature-controlled tanks to achieve greater extraction. Once ready, the wines are gravity-fed, instead of pumped, to the brand new barrel cellar to mature in French oak. The premier cuvees go into new oak, the other wines go into older barrels. Different here is the use of no-toast oak barrels to retain a bit more freshness in the wine. With all 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 winemaking, creating beautiful fruit to produce a portfolio of artisanal 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 no Italy fan should miss!

A high-quality Chianti Classico with a maximum of 1 year of wood aging, a Riserva that, thanks to the perfect collaboration between Giovanni and Franco, can be considered one of the first Sangiovese-Cabernet blends, and a Super-Tuscan named Flaccianello della Pieve made from only Sangiovese that scores high points with Robert Parker, among others. Other important wines are the Pinot Nero, originating from Giovanni's teaching period, when he looked with great inspiration at Burgundy, and the Syrah that was planted as a youthful experiment. These last 2 are bottled under the name Via. In short, wines that no Italy fan should miss!