Vineyards:
The Fontodi estate has 80 hectares of vineyards, all of which are found in the Conca d'Oro (the golden shell), an amphitheatre-shaped valley to the south of Panzano. This shape facilitates the full ripening of the grapes. Flaccianello is made from a selection of the best grapes from the best parts of the Fontodi vineyards. The soil here is classic 'galestro', the schistous clay on which the Sangiovese grape produces its best results.
Vinification:
Fermentation and maceration lasted 25 days in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The cap was punched down twice a day during fermentation, which reached a maximum temperature of 30ºC. The wine spent a minimum of 30 days macerating on skins, depending on the individual tank. Once the desired tannin structure had been achieved, the wine was then racked into 100% new French oak barriques (Allier and Troncais) where it remained for 24 months before bottling.
Tasting Notes:
It has a bright ruby colour. The bouquet opens up to ripe dark cherries, violets, and plums, complemented by hints of spices. On the palate, it’s excellent in structure and richness, full-bodied with characteristic finely grained tannins. Whether to drink or to cellar, this is a collector’s item.
98/100 Points Wine Advocate
"The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound. 2024-2050"
96/100 Points James Suckling
“Blackberry, black-cherry, bark and ink aromas follow through to a full body with tight, integrated tannins and a solid core of fruit at the same time. A little hard and tight now. From organically grown grapes. Needs time to open…”
