Since starting to bottle in 1968, the gorgeous organically-farmed Fontodi estate has become an icon for the modernization of the Chianti Classico region. They helped popularize pure Sangiovese and aging in small French oak barrels, perfecting their elegantly bold, polished, and precise house style. Their calling card Chianti Classico is really like a riserva bottling, and their two Gran Selezioni approach the full-bodied power of Brunello, but with the fresher tones and elegance of Chianti. They identify their famous flagship, Flaccianello, as a "super-Tuscan:" rich and more open-knit, it's a selection of powerfully ripe fruit from across their vineyards. Thanks to their continued work to be even better, their latest wines are simply outstanding!
The estate lies in the heart of Chianti Classico, with vineyards on the ridge of the famous "Conca d'Oro" (golden shell) amphitheater of the Panzano area. The wines here have a tension between their generous structure and the depth and breadth of their dark-red and purple-toned cores: firm, earthy tannins help ground them, while a core of luminous acidity energizes. The aging in small French oak barrels contributes to the darker tones and extra richness in texture, with an infusion of oak spice (cinnamon & incense) and mocha. Perhaps the true magic of these powerhouse wines lies in their broad, but elegantly tapered, finishes, making them a pleasure to drink. They also age gloriously, if that's your style! We suggest letting the top bottlings breathe in the decanter for an hour or two, and partner them with rich, meaty dishes!
This is Fontodi's original Gran Selezione from the Sorbo vineyard, which looks outward from the Conca d'Oro, open to the cascade of hills flowing from the Chianti Mountains. It's more restrained and nuanced in its expression, with dark tones and softer tannins, but it has a superb balance amongst its breadth, grounding and inner brightness.
WINE ADVOCATE 98+ POINTS - "Now boasting the proud Panzano UGA on the front label, the Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Vigna del Sorbo is a little more delicate, even subdued, compared to its new brother, the more exuberant Terrazze San Leonlino. Vigna del Sorbo is a little more tuned in on itself, aromatically speaking, but reveals just enough complexity and sheer beauty to believe in the promise of its future aging potential. Even now, tasted so young, the wine's pedigree is evident. It excels in terms of complexity and depth. The tannins are velvety soft, and soft mineral aromas add focus. This certified expression of Sangiovese comes from a single parcel within the sun-drenched Conca d'Oro basin of vines that distinguishes Panzano. The Vigna del Sorbo stands out as one of my favorite wines from this region made in 2021." Best 2025-2050 - Monica Larner
VINOUS 97 POINTS - "The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is an absolute stunner. Deep, layered and explosive, the 2021 captures all of the magic of this year in spades. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, spice and licorice all soar out of the glass. A wine of statuesque beauty elegance, the 2021 is utterly mesmerizing. I would be in no rush to drink this. The 2021 spent 14-15 months in barrique (25% new) and then 7-8 months in cask." Best 2028-2046. - Antonio Galloni
ORGANICALLY FARMED
100% Sangiovese
The estate lies in the heart of Chianti Classico, with vineyards on the ridge of the famous "Conca d'Oro" (golden shell) amphitheater of the Panzano area. The wines here have a tension between their generous structure and the depth and breadth of their dark-red and purple-toned cores: firm, earthy tannins help ground them, while a core of luminous acidity energizes. The aging in small French oak barrels contributes to the darker tones and extra richness in texture, with an infusion of oak spice (cinnamon & incense) and mocha. Perhaps the true magic of these powerhouse wines lies in their broad, but elegantly tapered, finishes, making them a pleasure to drink. They also age gloriously, if that's your style! We suggest letting the top bottlings breathe in the decanter for an hour or two, and partner them with rich, meaty dishes!
This is Fontodi's original Gran Selezione from the Sorbo vineyard, which looks outward from the Conca d'Oro, open to the cascade of hills flowing from the Chianti Mountains. It's more restrained and nuanced in its expression, with dark tones and softer tannins, but it has a superb balance amongst its breadth, grounding and inner brightness.
WINE ADVOCATE 98+ POINTS - "Now boasting the proud Panzano UGA on the front label, the Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Vigna del Sorbo is a little more delicate, even subdued, compared to its new brother, the more exuberant Terrazze San Leonlino. Vigna del Sorbo is a little more tuned in on itself, aromatically speaking, but reveals just enough complexity and sheer beauty to believe in the promise of its future aging potential. Even now, tasted so young, the wine's pedigree is evident. It excels in terms of complexity and depth. The tannins are velvety soft, and soft mineral aromas add focus. This certified expression of Sangiovese comes from a single parcel within the sun-drenched Conca d'Oro basin of vines that distinguishes Panzano. The Vigna del Sorbo stands out as one of my favorite wines from this region made in 2021." Best 2025-2050 - Monica Larner
VINOUS 97 POINTS - "The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is an absolute stunner. Deep, layered and explosive, the 2021 captures all of the magic of this year in spades. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, spice and licorice all soar out of the glass. A wine of statuesque beauty elegance, the 2021 is utterly mesmerizing. I would be in no rush to drink this. The 2021 spent 14-15 months in barrique (25% new) and then 7-8 months in cask." Best 2028-2046. - Antonio Galloni
ORGANICALLY FARMED
100% Sangiovese
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