Chianti Classico Terrazze di San Leolino Gran Selezione Panzano DOCG 2021 (BIO)

Tenuta Fontodi | Tuscany
Az. Agr. Fontodi | Giovanni e Marco Manetti s.s. | IT 50022 Panzano in Chianti

09483421 · 0,75 l · 92,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

A journey through time on five hectares: Giovanni Manetti is a man who knows how to unravel historical secrets. When he discovered drawings from the 15th century in the archives of the University of Florence that showed that the hill of San Leolino was once completely planted with vines, this was the key to an extraordinary revitalisation project. Where for centuries there had only been olive trees – with the exception of a small plot from the 1970s –the Terrazze di San Leolino were created anew. The terroir tells a different story to the famous Vigna del Sorbo: here, at an altitude of 450 metres, it is not the slatey Galestro that dominates, but the calcareous Alberese soil. This geological peculiarity gives San Leolino its unmistakable character – mineral, salty, with a freshness that immediately reminds the nose of crushed stones and earthy notes.

The 2021 vintage is a radiant ruby-red manifesto of this unique vineyard: intense aromas with peppery notes, a core of juicy cherry, ebony and hints of marzipan and tobacco. On the palate, it flows with gentle drive, silky texture over firm tannins and an endlessly long finish characterised by the salty minerality that only the Alberese soil can give. This is more than just a new Gran Selezione – it is the return of a historic cru site to the consciousness of the wine world. San Leolino was already recognised locally as a top vineyard 200 years ago. Now, after the loving restoration of the terraces, this wine proves that some dreams wait centuries to be realised. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intriguing, almost opulent blueberry nose, also nuances of black pepper and nougat; balanced on the palate with a beautiful finish, the acidity and the tightly meshed tannins cleanly balanced, combines finesse and lots of fruit – berries and stone fruit - on the finish." Vinum

"Noble, shiny ruby red colour with a fine rim. Deep in the nose, slightly peppery with a juicy cherry fruit centre, ebony, hints of marzipan and tobacco. Flows over the palate with gentle pressure, fine fruit sweetness and silky texture, on firm tannins with a very long finish." Falstaff

"With flavours of cherry, pomegranate, flowers, iron and resin, this bright, elegant red wine tightens on the finish, yet remains balanced and silky, with a beautiful finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a beautifully crafted Chianti Classico with a very fine texture, silky tannins, bright fruit and crisp acidity. It is medium-bodied and lingers for minutes at the end. Very attractive now, but even better in two or three years and beyond." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Terrazze San Leonlino, now bearing the Panzano UGA on the label, is a magnificent wine and a relatively new addition to a portfolio that excels in a classic vintage like 2021. The wine benefits from the new regulations that give identity to the subzones of the appellation (or UGAs) and exudes the depth, richness and sunshine for which the fruit of Panzano is renowned. The bouquet is characterised by generous black fruits, pencil shavings and light spices, but the wine is ultimately characterised by its triple balance between fruit, acidity and oak spice." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino is another highlight in this range from Fontodi. It's a huge step up from the 2020. Red cherry, iron, spice, leather, licorice, crushed rocks and herbs make a strong first impression. Bright acids, the result of elevation and a year with wide diurnal swings, yielded a Gran Selezione of stunning elegance, complexity and finesse. The San Leolino is one of the newer wines in the Fontodi range. The 2021 suggests it could be one of the new flagships here. " Vinous