# Chianti Classico (2023)

- **Producer:** Fontodi
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, blackberry, raspberry, violet, rose, liquorice, eucalyptus, coffee, cloves, tobacco, leather, mushroom

## About this wine

Azienda Agricola Fontodi has been owned by the Manetti family since 1968, though the family has produced traditional Tuscan terracotta in the region for centuries. Managed by Giovanni Manetti, President of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, the estate is located in the high-altitude Conca d'Oro amphitheater of Panzano in Chianti. Fontodi was an early pioneer of organic viticulture in the sub-zone and farms estate vineyards planted on schistous clay and limestone soils. Unusually for Chianti Classico, this wine is produced entirely from 100% Sangiovese.

## Interesting facts

- The Manetti family produced traditional Tuscan terracotta tiles for centuries before acquiring Fontodi in 1968.
- Fontodi Chianti Classico is crafted from 100% Sangiovese, rather than blending in secondary varieties.
- Spring mildew in 2023 reduced yields at the estate by up to 40%, resulting in exceptional fruit concentration.

## Food pairing

The combination of high natural acidity and structured, fine tannins in pure Sangiovese effortlessly cuts through rich, savory animal proteins and fat, while matching tomato-based and braised meat sauces perfectly.

## Wine making process

The 2023 growing season experienced high humidity in spring, leading to strict organic canopy management and reduced yields before a warm summer enabled optimal phenolic maturity. Grapes are harvested from certified organic estate vineyards situated at 380 to 450 meters elevation. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for at least 21 days with regular cap punch-downs. The wine matures for 18 to 24 months in French oak barriques and larger French oak casks.