2021 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve

“Two thousand twenty-one is 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. This is a historic vintage, and one to buy deep. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti and his son Bernardo presented a stunning set of 2021s on my most recent visit. The wines embody the essence of site but in the more refined, nuanced style that is such a signature here today. Picking a bit earlier while also reducing French oak imprint has made a huge difference. I can’t recommend these new releases highly enough. 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.” Drink 2028 - 2046

“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." Drink 2025 - 2050

“ Flaccianello della Pieve’ is one of the original Super-Tuscans, and stands as a beacon for the highest quality of Sangiovese from Panzano in Chianti. Giovanni Manetti is a fierce proponent of the integrity of the grape, and since its first vintage in 1981, his most famed wine has been made entirely of Sangiovese. The original source of fruit was a single-vineyard of the same name until the 2001 vintage, when the decision was made to create a blend of the estate’s best fruit from the Conca d’Oro. Deep ruby with a slight purple shimmer. Very appealing and intense nose, with notes of blackberry and mulberry, some orange peel, some milk chocolate and light tobacco in the background. Polished and precise on the palate, showing plenty of fine tannins, salty and with a long finish."