2017 Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Chianti Classico Fontodi is a wine of extreme elegance that shows how much the house style has evolved here. A decade ago, in a warm year the Fontodi Chianti Classico would have been opulent, but these days proprietor Giovanni Manetti seeks finesse more than power, and that is exactly what comes through here. Ripe red Sangiovese fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice infuse this racy, exotic Chianti Classico with so much character. The 2017 spent two years in oak, half in cask and half in neutral oak. I loved it.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The Fontodi 2017 Chianti Classico gives the impression of being slightly mature or advanced, even now straight out of the gate. The hot and dry vintage has shaped aromas of candied cherry, dried plum, rum raisin, white chocolate and a dusty note of wet chalk. The wine is quite beautiful in terms of mouthfeel, with well-integrated alcohol and tannins that close without sharpness or astringency. This dark and sultry Sangiovese shows moderate fruit, focused mostly on dark blackberry and dried cherry. I would recommend a near-term drinking window for this pleasantly rich and accessible wine.
Greve in Chianti – Panzano. 100% Sangiovese. Lustrous mid crimson. Gorgeous lifted nose of sour cherry with a hint of nutmeg. Succulent and almost a little tart on the palate with a layer of powdery tannins. Amazingly fresh for this hot vintage. I presume part of the fruit was harvested very early in order to maintain the acidity. (WS)
About the producer
Based just outside Panzano-in-Chianti, Chianti Classico estate Fontodi was acquired by the Manettis in 1968, a family which has established its modern reputation. Today the leading property is best known for its Flaccianello delle Pieve, the pure Sangiovese Super Tuscan first made in 1981.