Fontodi - Colli Toscana Centrale IGT Flaccianello della Pieve 2017

Fontodi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico, specifically in the valley south of Panzano, and is known as the "Conca d'oro" (golden shell) due to its amphitheatre form. A real and distinctive "Terroir," famed for centuries for its legacy of great wine growing, thanks to a one-of-a-kind mix of high altitude, calcar clay schist soil, plenty of light, and a superb micro-climate.

The 2017 Flaccianello delle Pieve is outstanding. This vintage preserves the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections, making it dark, sensuous, and enveloping. The wine is richly flavoured with black cherry, plum, spice, fresh leather, liquorice, and chocolate. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique before spending 6 months in cask, following the same ageing protocol as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a touch more new wood. That strategy paid off well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its outstanding textural grace and refinement. It's a very outstanding wine.