Fontodi Flaccianello Della Pieve 2021

Fontodi is a brilliant example of the heights that can be reached in this part of Tuscany, and year after year, their wines continue to blow us away. This – the magnificent DOUBLE 98-point 2021 Flaccianello – is limited as can be and entirely worthy of a spot in your collection.

The Fontodi estate spans 130 hectares in the heart of Chianti Classico, inside Panzano’s renowned amphitheatre-shaped Conca d’Oro (“Golden Shell”) valley. The Manetti family had been in this region for centuries working their terracotta tile business, but it was in 1968 when Dino Manetti purchased the rundown property that would become their winery. His son Giovanni Manetti took over the estate in 1980, alongside the rising star consulting winemaker Franco Barnabei, fully transitioning the estate to certified organic farming and biodynamic practices. 

Flaccianello della Pieve is the estate’s legendary, 100% Sangiovese Super Tuscan, first released in 1981 as an act of rebellion against Chianti Classico DOCG laws, which mandated that winemakers blend white grapes into their red wines. Giovanni was disgusted by how this diluted Tuscany’s prized native grape, so he declassified his absolute best, purest Sangiovese and thus – Flaccianello was born. The 2021 vintage in Tuscany is one of the modern greats, combining a balanced growing season with small yields of highly concentrated berries. The result is immensely powerful and racy wines, yet never heavy and filled with a humming, persistent energy.

The 2021 Flaccianello lives up to every ounce of anticipation preceding it – double 98 points, along with a pile of other high scores, fully confirms its excellence on all fronts! The romantically inky wine delivers deep cherry, pressed blackberry, and dark plum notes tightly interwoven with dried violets, tobacco leaf, graphite, and savory balsamic undertones. It’s got fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity that cuts through the density, and is almost surprisingly accessible in its considerable youth, though sure to age gracefully for upwards of two decades, at least. Our price is one of the best you can find anywhere, though our limited numbers are sure to dwindle quickly. Go get after it!

PAIRING IDEAS: Such a robust and lively wine is brilliant with simple, traditional cuisine, and I’m leaning toward a lovely cacio e pepe.