December 16, 2024
Fontodi’s Very High Scoring 2021s
"The single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop. The 2021s are majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation. Quality is consistently high across the region, while many wines hit breathtaking peaks of excellence. [...] a vintage to buy deep." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The critics are going crazy for Tuscan 2021’s, praising a classic and balanced vintage with incredibly high scores. Warm days and cool nights delivered wines with vibrant acidity, ripe fruit, and fine tannins. Lower yields enhanced concentration, creating elegant, age-worthy wines that showcase the best of Sangiovese and the timeless character of Chianti.
We’ve long been supporters of the wines of Fontodi and in 2021 we firmly believe that these belong in your collection. Nestled in the Conca d’Oro, Fontodi crafts wines of exceptional purity and complexity, reflecting its marl-rich soils and ideal sun exposure. Emphasizing terroir, the estate uses traditional and innovative techniques, including amphorae for fermenting select wines, which enhance purity and minerality. This method, combined with careful vineyard management and oak ageing, allows Fontodi to craft wines of exceptional depth, elegance, and a true expression of Chianti Classico.
Photo: The cellar at Fontodi with their Amphora
Today we have two of the top 2021 cuvees from Fontodi, the Flaccianello delle Pieve and the Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione. Both cuvees score 98-Points from the wine critics. The Flaccianello is bold and sumptuous, offering dense dark fruit and silky tannins with a racy, powerful character. In contrast, the Vigna del Sorbo is a masterpiece of elegance, showcasing black cherry, spice, and velvety tannins. Both wines promise exceptional ageing potential, reflecting the brilliance of this classic vintage. We’ve got a couple of reviews for you to get stuck into below.
We’re sure these won’t hang around for long as our allocation is small, so Tuscan wine fans should jump at the opportunity right away.
Fontodi Flaccianello delle Pieve 2021
98 Points | Wine Adocate, Monica Larner
The Fontodi 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic 2021 vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins.
98 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni
The 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve is another exceptional wine from Fontodi this year. Ripe silky tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit as the 2021 makes its presence felt from the first taste. Sumptuous racy and dense this is just magnificent. As has been the case for some time Flaccianello is a blend of mostly three parcels throughout the estate but closer to town.Drinking Window: 2028 - 2046
Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione 2021
98+ Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
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. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2050
97 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni
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.