Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2022

Fontodi Flaccianello 2022, the power of Sangiovese

There is a broad, structured expression of Sangiovese in this Flaccianello della Pieve, carried by ripe dark fruit and notes of spice, leather and dried herbs. I recommend it to those who love characterful Tuscan reds without giving up the finesse the estate associates with its terroir. Made from organic farming, this Super Tuscan can be enjoyed right away after aeration, or left to rest in the cellar.

Fontodi, in the heart of the conca d'oro

The Fontodi estate lies south of Panzano, in the Chianti Classico region. The Fontodi family has owned it since 1968; Giovanni Manetti has managed it since 1980. The vines occupy Panzano's natural amphitheater, known as the conca d'oro, or "golden shell," an area renowned for the quality of its grapes. The estate covers 90 hectares of vineyards, planted mostly with Sangiovese.

The Flaccianello della Pieve is made from the estate's finest Sangiovese, in a Super Tuscan style. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with measured intervention. The wine then ages 18 months in French oak barriques, followed by six more months in large oak casks. This maturation supports the fruit and structure without erasing the character of the grape.

On the nose, black cherries, plums and berries form an intense fruity profile, lifted by touches of spice, leather and dried herbs from the aging. On the palate, the wine is rich and powerful, with firm tannins and a well-defined structure. The assertive fruit gives the whole its breadth; the notes evoked on the nose also have room to develop over time. The expert rating sheet shows an average of 97/100, but it is above all the balance between vigor, backbone and expression of Sangiovese that holds my attention.

At the table, Tuscany on the plate

Je le servirais avec une bistecca alla fiorentina, un ragù longuement mijoté ou un pecorino affiné : des plats assez savoureux pour répondre à ses tanins et à son fruit sombre. Pense à ouvrir la bouteille deux heures avant le repas et à la carafer, afin de lui laisser le temps de s’aérer. Le millésime 2022 se prête à une dégustation dès aujourd’hui dans ces conditions, mais peut aussi être conservé en cave ; les indications disponibles envisagent une garde allant jusqu’à trente ans. Si tu préfères les vins plus fondus, laisse-lui quelques années : ses tanins et sa structure lui donnent de quoi évoluer. C’est une bouteille à partager autour d’une table généreuse, en prenant le temps de suivre ses arômes.