Fontodi’s Flaccianello della Pieve: The Story Behind a Legendary Wine

Fontodi, located in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region, is synonymous with high-quality, terroir-driven wines. Among its prestigious offerings, Flaccianello della Pieve stands out as a true icon. This wine, crafted from 100% Sangiovese, embodies the essence of Tuscany and the dedication of the Fontodi team. This article explores the history, production methods, and accolades that make Flaccianello della Pieve a legendary wine.

The Origin of Flaccianello della Pieve

The story of Flaccianello della Pieve began in 1981 when Giovanni Manetti, inspired by his passion for Sangiovese, decided to create a wine that would express the full potential of this noble grape. The idea was to produce a wine that reflected the unique terroir of the Conca d'Oro (Golden Shell) in Panzano, an area renowned for its exceptional vineyard sites. Named after the ancient church (Pieve) of San Leolino, which overlooks the vineyards, Flaccianello della Pieve quickly became a benchmark for single-varietal Sangiovese wines.

The Manetti family has owned Fontodi since 1968 and has been instrumental in elevating the estate's reputation. Their dedication to quality, sustainable farming practices, and innovative winemaking techniques has been key to the success of Flaccianello della Pieve. Giovanni Manetti, who now leads the estate, continues to honor the traditions established by his predecessors while embracing modern advancements to enhance the wine's quality.

Terroir and Viticulture

Flaccianello della Pieve is sourced from the estate’s best vineyard plots in the Conca d'Oro, a natural amphitheatre that provides optimal sun exposure and excellent drainage. The vineyards are situated at elevations between 400 and 500 meters above sea level, allowing for significant diurnal temperature variations. This climate fosters slow and even grape ripening, crucial for developing complex flavours and balanced acidity.

The soils in these vineyards are predominantly galestro, a schistous clay, mixed with limestone and marl. These well-draining, mineral-rich soils encourage deep root growth, enhancing the concentration and complexity of the grapes. The combination of galestro and limestone imparts a distinct minerality and structure to Flaccianello della Pieve, contributing to its ageing potential and refined character.

Fontodi is committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture, avoiding synthetic chemicals and fertilizers to maintain the health and vitality of their vineyards. Cover cropping, composting, and integrated pest management are some of the practices employed to enhance soil health and biodiversity. This commitment to sustainability ensures that the vines express the true character of their terroir, resulting in wines of exceptional purity and quality.

Winemaking Excellence

The production of Flaccianello della Pieve begins with a meticulous selection of the best Sangiovese grapes. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. This rigorous selection process is crucial for maintaining the wine's high standards and ensuring that each vintage meets the expectations of wine enthusiasts and critics alike.

Flaccianello della Pieve undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks using Indigenous yeasts, which preserve the natural aromas and flavours of the Sangiovese grapes. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new. This ageing process imparts complexity and structure to the wine, enhancing its depth and longevity. The use of French oak adds subtle notes of vanilla and spice, complementing the vibrant fruit flavours and adding a layer of elegance to the wine.

Tasting Notes and Characteristics

Flaccianello della Pieve is renowned for its rich, full-bodied flavour and elegant structure. The wine exhibits intense aromas of red and black fruits, such as cherry, blackberry, and plum, complemented by notes of violet, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, it is powerful yet balanced, with firm tannins and vibrant acidity that provide a refreshing lift. The wine’s long, persistent finish showcases its excellent ageing potential, with tertiary notes of leather, truffle, and earth emerging over time.

Accolades and Recognition

Flaccianello della Pieve has garnered numerous accolades and high ratings from prestigious wine publications and critics, solidifying its status as a benchmark for Chianti Classico. It has consistently received scores of 95 points and above from renowned critics such as Antonio Galloni of Vinous and Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate. These accolades highlight the exceptional quality and distinctive character of Flaccianello della Pieve, affirming its place among the finest wines of Tuscany.

Fontodi’s Flaccianello della Pieve is more than just a wine; it is a testament to the passion, dedication, and expertise of the Manetti family. From its origins in the unique terroir of the Conca d'Oro to its meticulous production methods, Flaccianello della Pieve exemplifies the best of Tuscan winemaking. For wine enthusiasts and collectors, this legendary wine offers an exceptional experience, reflecting the rich heritage and timeless appeal of Tuscany’s winemaking traditions.

 

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