Chianti Classico Terrazze di San Leolino Gran Selezione DOCG 2019 (BIO)

Tenuta Fontodi | Tuscany
Az. Agr. Fontodi | Giovanni e Marco Manetti s.s. | IT 50022 Panzano in Chianti

09483419 · 0,75 l · 79,99 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping4 units available

The years of the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly fruitful for Giovanni Manetti, you could call them an epiphany. He had time to reflect and walked through his vineyards in the Conca d'Oro in Panzano in Chianti, an amphitheatre of postcard-perfect vines, and decided it was time to expand his portfolio. In particular, he was looking for a way to better articulate the concept of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which is essentially a perfect vehicle for a grand cru winemaking philosophy. His existing Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a flagship for this highest category of appellation, but unfortunately it only represents a single vineyard site. The fruit comes from an area with a higher proportion of schistose galestro for dark fruit, etched mineral notes and pencil shavings. Now this wine can be seen in context.

This is how the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino was created. It comes from a vineyard in Panzano, not too far from Vigna del Sorbo. However, this small parcel near the San Leolino chapel is characterised by calcareous Alberese, which produces fresh wines with a less dark character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant ruby red colour. Very spicy on the nose, with hints of leather and pepper, also reminiscent of wet stone, opens up on ripe dark berries at the back, with a blood-like finish. Spreads out with great freshness and compact tannins, immediately present, balanced and with class, pithy and with firm pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"A pretty red that evokes aromas and flavours of cherries, blackberries, blackcurrants, violets and iron, supported by lively tannins and vibrant acidity that make the wine concentrated and long-lasting." Wine Spectator

"The best fruit from 15-year-old vines was set aside to make this 5,000-bottle first release. The famous Vigna del Sorbo is not far away, but compared to the wine from that site, the Terrazze San Leonlino is sharper, more concentrated and offers a leaner fruit weight. The bouquet tends towards wild roses and Mediterranean herbs, which gives the flavours more vertical pressure. The tannins are silky and polished." Wine Advocate

"Impressive flavours of blackberries and peppers with a hint of toffee. Full-bodied, round, soft and juicy." James Suckling

"The brand new Terrazze San Leolino Gran Selezione from Fontodi is a real eye-catcher. San Leolino was recognised as a cru site 200 years ago. The recently renovated terraces are located at an altitude of 450 metres in Panzano, but unlike Fontodi's Vigna del Sorbo, which is characterised by Galestro, the soil here consists of calcareous Alberese. Although it has only recently been bottled, it already shows its earthy, stony and mineral flavours. On the palate, it is elegant and profound, with decisive flavours of roses, red cherries and long, enveloping tannins that end with a tangy salinity. It is still very closed, but promising." Decanter

"From a beautiful project in biological management near the Conca d’oro of Panzano, soil characterized by the presence of trees. Notes of pomegranate on the nose, rosehip and wild sage. The palate is taut-sapid, with fruity-floral return and intense drinkability." Luca Gardini