Fontodi - Chianti Classico - 2011
www.Fontodi.com
The fine earthy tones of this Chianti hold the promise of complexity that never appeared - still a good Chianti and perhaps an off year for this fine producer
November 4, 2017
This dark ruby Chianti has intense, thick fruit with hints of earthiness and some barnyard qualities on the nose. The wine initially presented as tight, perhaps in need of more decanting. It did have gripping tannins initially on the upper palate, but they released early. It did have a good amount of fruit without the brutish intrusion of oak, preserving the early fruit qualities of Chianti. I also think the large barrel fermentation also enhances the terrior. The wine is well structured, showing its terrior and fruit well, but not so much of the complexities I had expected from this producer. Perhaps more decanting and/or a more forceful vintage would have been more expressive.
The wine is 100% Sangiovese and Chianti Classico DOCG. It is initially fermented in temperature-controlled tanks with indigenous yeasts for at least 2 weeks and then aged in In Troncais and Allier barrels for 18 months (see pictures below). Both of these barrel types are larger French oak barrels, and very distinct from the small barrique oak barrels that are heavily used in California.
This full to medium bodied wine can be obtained from many fine wine retailers, but I have purchased my bottle from Sotheby's fine wine shop on 72nd street in NYC. I paid approximately $40/btl, but the wine tasted like it should have cost closer to $25/btl.
Where to find it:
Sotheby's Fine Wine
Rating: 88+
The wine is 100% Sangiovese and Chianti Classico DOCG. It is initially fermented in temperature-controlled tanks with indigenous yeasts for at least 2 weeks and then aged in In Troncais and Allier barrels for 18 months (see pictures below). Both of these barrel types are larger French oak barrels, and very distinct from the small barrique oak barrels that are heavily used in California.
This full to medium bodied wine can be obtained from many fine wine retailers, but I have purchased my bottle from Sotheby's fine wine shop on 72nd street in NYC. I paid approximately $40/btl, but the wine tasted like it should have cost closer to $25/btl.
Where to find it:
Sotheby's Fine Wine
Rating: 88+
