“Vigna del Sorbo” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano DOCG 2022 (BIO)

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

09482222 · 0,75 l · 92,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Directly in front of the cantina, at an altitude of 450 metres and facing south-west, lies the vineyard that has defined Fontodi's approach to Sangiovese since 1985. Three plots, planted between 1963 and 1973, are united by a geological feature: schistose galestro soils that break up into characteristic flakes on the surface. Giovanni Manetti recognised early on that this soil structure lends the Sangiovese that dark fruit and body on the mid-palate which distinguishes it from the limestone-dominated sites. The name 'Sorbo' refers to a local Tuscan fruit – dry, tannic, almost like grapes themselves. What began as a Riserva in 1985 was elevated to Gran Selezione with the 2011 vintage, when the new classification was introduced in Chianti Classico. Since 2012, it has been 100% Sangiovese; previously, it was blended with small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the glass, it is a clear ruby red with garnet-red highlights. The nose opens with black cherry and citrus zest, underpinned by notes of blood orange. With exposure to air, black cherry and blackberry unfold, joined by lavender, mocha, spices and liquorice – a bouquet of statuesque beauty. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, firm yet silky, with a polished texture and very fine tannins. The structure is powerful but never harsh; the dark fruits return, accompanied by smoky undertones and a minerality reminiscent of pencil shavings and iron ore. The finish is long and intense, with the energy that promises great maturity. A Gran Selezione from the Panzano UGA of remarkable concentration and ageing potential; two to three years' patience will be rewarded with added complexity, and the window for enjoyment extends over decades. SUPERIORE.DE

"A deep ruby red at the centre with a lighter rim. On the nose, pronounced notes of juicy blackberries, underpinned by Mediterranean herbs, with hints of cocoa and mocha. Unfolds long and elegantly across the palate, with precise fruit, fine-grained tannins and crisp acidity – a real treat." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2022 is an elegant, sophisticated wine. Notes of black cherry, plum, new leather, liquorice, cloves and mocha are all pronounced. All the natural intensity of the vintage is expressed in a powerful, decidedly virile Vigna del Sorbo." Vinous

"The estate's first Gran Selezione, Vigna del Sorbo was born as a Riserva in 1985. Winemaking has been tweaked along the way but this partially barrique-aged, pure Sangiovese owes its identity first and foremost to the single-vineyard from which it hails. Unfolding with scents of sage, dried violets, espresso and pulverised brick, the 2022 is unhurried in its reveal. The palate divulges a depth and density of rich fruit, crammed with dark cherry skin, blackberry and blue plum. Long, polished tannins are vigorous in their embrace, and earthy nuances weave throughout, with incense marking the finale. Broad and potent yet remarkably not heavy." Decanter

"Crisp and fresh aromas of black cherries and citrus peel with a hint of blood orange. Medium-bodied, firm and silky, with a refined texture and a long, intense finish. Very fine tannins. Give it two or three years to soften a little, but it has lovely vigour." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2022 is an organic wine with a broad and rich character. This historic wine represents a selection of grapes from a nine-hectare plot with vines over 50 years old, growing on schist and galestro soils. It is aged for 24 months in barriques and French oak barrels. The Vigna del Sorbo is a rather horizontal wine with plenty of dark fruit, well-developed tannins and a full mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, plums, tar and sweet spices are combined with thick, robust tannins in this red wine. Still young at this stage, it displays plenty of fruit, which needs to develop alongside the structural elements." Wine Spectator