1993 Flaccianello della Pieve
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Tasting notes
What a happy surprise. The 1993 Flaccianello della Pieve is one of the most memorable and unexpected wines in this historic retrospective. This was a notoriously difficult vintage that saw late budding due to heavy rain in spring, followed by more torrential rain during the harvest (after what was considered to be a positive summer season). Giovanni Manetti tells me this vintage remained shut down and closed for many years after its release. At some point in the recent past, the 1993 took a surprise turn during its development and began to display the elegance and profound nature that you grasp so clearly today. This vintage also strikes me as more contemporary or international, and by that I mean we can start to make out some of the winery choices that evidently resulted in more extraction and textural richness. These trends seem very much in line with the times. The mouthfeel is succulent and rich with dried plum and black currant followed by a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1993 Flaccianello della Pieve impresses for its sense of harmony. This is another Flaccianello from a colder year that has held up beautifully. Dark red cherries, crushed flowers, licorice and spices are buffered by vibrant acidity in this attractive, medium-bodied wine. All of the elements are in the right place. I especially like the way the 1993 opens up over time. Energy, class and balance. It's all there in the 1993. The sexiness and silkiness should be on full display for another handful of years.
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.