2020 Le Fonti Chianti Classico
Grape
Mainly Sangiovese with a little Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Its Origins
Vicky Schmitt and Guido Vitali have run this small estate in Panzano since 1994. Le Fonti is a boutique winery producing only about 40-50,000 bottles a year. Halfway between Florence and Siena, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, lies the small village of Panzano, home of the most famed wines in Chianti. Just below the village church, at 450 m above sea level, is the Fattoria Le Fonti. It extends over 15 hectares with just 9 hectares of vineyards, and the rest olive groves. Most of the vineyards are north facing, basically the opposite exposure of Panzano’s fabled Conca d’Oro. These were once considered less-favored sites, but climate change has changed perceptions about what is favorable and not. Biodynamic farming and low intervention winemaking are the rule here. From the harvest to the final blend, they depend on family manpower and sophisticated taste. All vineyards have been replanted since 1994, taking great care to select the right type of plants with the correct rootstock. The also renovated and extended the cellars. These are wines that really stand out thanks to their superb price-to-quality ratio.
What The Critics Say
91/100 Decanter, Michaela Morris
"Vicky Schmitt-Vitali and her husband, Guido have divided their holdings into small 0.25- to one-hectare parcels. They vinify each separately, selecting those hailing from higher elevations (up to 450 metres) for the Riserva. Aged in 400- to 500-litre barrels, of which 20% are new, this demonstrates the clean, polished signature of the estate. Accents of truffle and porcini overlay the dark cherry and blackberry foundation. Warming alcohol pokes through but there are sufficient earthy charms to deflect. Despite the firm and grainy tannins, this is already accessible. Drink 2024-2030"
93/100 Vinous, Antonio Galloni (2019 vintage)
"The 2019 Chianti Classico is an elegant, nuanced wine. Sweet tobacco, cherry, cinnamon and subtle earthy notes all run through the 2019. Even with its recent bottling, the 2019 is aromatically expressive, nuanced and so expressive. It’s a terrific effort from Le Fonti in Panzano."
91/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Monica Larner (2018 Vintage)
"This is a terrific entry-level red that really stands out thanks to its price-to-quality ratio. The Le Fonti 2018 Chianti Classico is 93% Sangiovese, 2% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that ferments in stainless steel but ages in tonneaux for one year. It offers lots of bright cherry and general fruit intensity with savory hints of smoked bacon. There is power too, but the wine has the fiber and the fruit to soak up that extra heat. Production is 14,400 bottles."
| Variety | Sangiovese |
|---|---|
| Region | Tuscany |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2023 - 2027 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
