Fontodi
2022
Chianti Classico, Fontodi Filetta di Lamole
View details →£30.10
The SommPills Cellar
Fontodi
1 wine on the Fontodi shelf, chosen one at a time.
£5per bottle£200+
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Fontodi
1 wines on the shelf
Fontodi is a Chianti Classico producer in Panzano, Tuscany, run by Giovanni Manetti since 1980. What sets them apart is the combination of meticulous organic and biodynamic viticulture across 110 hectares, non-interventionist winemaking—including use of traditional amphorae for fermentation—and a fastidious attention to detail that transforms ordinary Sangiovese into wines of genuine longevity and richness. The Manetti family's centuries-long presence in Chianti, combined with their own terracotta factory heritage, means quality control at Fontodi is uncompromising.
About Fontodi
Since acquiring Fontodi in 1968, the Manetti family has drawn on their centuries of residence and work in the Chianti region to shape the estate's direction. Giovanni Manetti converted a crumbling farmhouse with just a few vineyard hectares into one of Chianti Classico's most respected estates. Most of his 110 hectares sit in Panzano's 'conca d'oro' (golden shell)—a south-facing natural amphitheatre where grapes ripen fully while high elevations preserve acidity and aromatics through cool nights. The soils are predominantly Galestro and Alberese, which encourage deep rooting and excellent drainage.
Giovanni has implemented comprehensive organic farming methods across Fontodi's vineyards while integrating biodynamic practices that optimize fruit quality. In the cellar, his philosophy remains non-interventionist. He uses very low-toast oak to preserve fruit character and has embraced amphorae—made at the Manetti family's own terracotta factory—for fermenting small percentages of his red wines. The signature 'Dino' is fermented as 100% Sangiovese in these amphorae, left on skins for 12 months without sulphites, in conditions of 14°C and 80% humidity that allow for slow, natural evolution. His Chianti Classico selections consistently exhibit intensity and richness while preserving equilibrium across the palate. The 'Vigna del Sorbo' Gran Selezione is intensely concentrated—a wine that previously included small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon until Giovanni determined in 2012 that pure Sangiovese needed no supplement. The 'Flaccianello della Pieve', made from the estate's finest Sangiovese fruit, is powerful, fleshy, and ages beautifully over decades. The 'Terrazze San Leolino' Gran Selezione comes from a dedicated five-hectare parcel and represents another expression of Fontodi's commitment to single-vineyard complexity.
Fontodi Wines in Our Collection
The 2022 Chianti Classico entry-level bottling (92 pts) is your accessible entry to Fontodi's style: savoury, balanced, and built for drinking over the next five years with everyday meals. The 2022 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole (92 pts) offers similar immediate appeal with slightly more aromatic complexity. For those wanting to experience what Giovanni's vineyards can truly deliver, the 2021 Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione (98 pts Parker, 97 pts James Suckling) is a concentrated, age-worthy wine that justifies cellaring for another decade. The 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve (98 pts Parker, 98 pts Decanter) is the estate's flagship—a bold, structured pure Sangiovese that ranks among Italy's most sought-after reds and will reward patience. The 2021 Terrazze San Leolino Gran Selezione (96 pts Parker, 97 pts Wine Spectator) sits between these two in power and complexity. The 2022 Dino (95 pts), fermented in amphorae, showcases how traditional methods preserve Sangiovese's fruit purity and fine tannin structure.
Food Pairing
Fontodi's entry Chianti Classico pairs naturally with cured meats, tomato-based pastas, and roasted chicken. The Vigna del Sorbo and Flaccianello demand richer fare: slow-braised beef, wild boar, aged hard cheeses, and truffle risotto. The Bianco suits seafood risotto, white fish with herbs, and goat's cheese. All Fontodi reds evolve beautifully with bottle age and benefit from decanting before serving.
What makes Fontodi different from other Chianti Classico producers?
Giovanni Manetti runs the estate with organic and biodynamic viticulture across 110 hectares in Panzano's prime 'conca d'oro'. He ferments small percentages of wine in amphorae made at the Manetti family's own terracotta factory, and uses minimal oak to preserve fruit character—an unusually hands-off approach in modern winemaking.
Which Fontodi wine should I buy if I want to age it?
The Flaccianello della Pieve (2021, 98 pts Parker) and Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione (2021, 98 pts Parker) are designed for 10–20+ years of cellaring. Both are powerful, concentrated Sangiovese with the structure to evolve beautifully over decades.
Is Fontodi organic?
Yes. Giovanni Manetti converted the entire 110-hectare estate to organic viticulture and follows biodynamic principles. This ensures the highest-quality fruit and reflects his non-interventionist philosophy in both vineyard and cellar.
Who makes Fontodi wines?
Giovanni Manetti has run Fontodi since 1980. The Manetti family acquired the estate in 1968 and has centuries of presence in Chianti. Fontodi is based in Panzano, Tuscany, across 110 hectares.
What style of wine does Fontodi make?
Fontodi specializes in Sangiovese-based Chianti Classico, from entry-level to Gran Selezione. They also make Cabernet Syrah blends and white wines. Their reds are savory and classic or bold and structured; the 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve scored 96 points.
How much does Fontodi wine cost?
Fontodi wines range between £25.50 and £123.95. Entry-level Chianti Classico starts around £29–£31; Gran Selezioni and single-vineyard reds sit between £45 and £75; their premium Flaccianello reaches £124.
Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.