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2021 Fontodi: Vigna del Sorbo & Flaccinello

2021 is a tremendous vintage for Chianti Classico. Antonio Galloni reckons it is the best ever for the region, calling it “a vintage to buy deep”. Some of the most compelling wines from this superlative year come from Fontodi: Vigna del Sorbo and Flaccianello. Both are exceptionally good this year.

Established in 1968, Fontodi is owned by the Manetti family and lies in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, just south of Panzano. The property is farmed biodynamically and is known for its exemplary, traditionally-styled wines, unencumbered by excessive use of new oak.

Vigna del Sorbo is the top Chianti Classico at Fontodi. It comes from a small, south-west facing single vineyard where the oldest vines are over 50 years old. Made entirely from Sangiovese, the wine is aged in 30% new French oak for 18 months before a further maturation period in cask and bottle. The 2021 is particularly deep and complex.

Flaccianello IGT Toscana is Fontodi‘s flagship wine and comes from the estate’s best plots. It is notable among the Super Tuscans for being a varietal Sangiovese. First produced in 1981, it originally fell outside of the DOC regulations because other indigenous varieties were not included in the blend. The wine continues to be labelled as IGT today, and it is arguably the most distinctively “Tuscan” of the Super Tuscans. In 2021, 98% of the wine was aged in French oak, with 2% aged in amphorae, giving texture and complexity to the wine.

Like other estates in Chianti Classico, Fontodi benefitted from a particular set of climatic conditions in 2021. The summer was hot and dry, yet the vines were able to access enough water because of rainy weather earlier in the season. Cool nights made for freshness, and also allowed complex flavours to develop.

You cannot go wrong with the 2021 vintage in Chianti Classico. Both these wine are delicious and come highly recommended.