Tenuta Fontodi, Chianti: 10 Fine Wines, Prices (2024)

Fontodi is a prestigious Italian wine estate situated in the Chianti region of Italy.

It is managed by the Manetti family, who owned the estate since 1968 when Dino Manetti acquired it. Today, Dino’s son, Giovanni Manetti, continues to grow the estate into an icon with great passion and dedication.

This article explores the outstanding Fontodi wine styles, 10 excellent Fontodi wines to buy in 2024, their investment potential, and the estate’s spectacular vineyards and winemaking practices. 

Popular Fontodi Wine Styles

Here are the red, white and dessert wines produced by the Fontodi winery:

1. Red Wines 
2. White Wines
3. Dessert Wines

A. Red Wine

Fontodi makes five exceptional red wines:

• Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG: This Chianti Classico wine is made form 100% Sangiovese grapes. This red wine is aged for 18 months in Troncais and Allier barrels. 
• Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione: Previously known as Chianti Classico Riserva, this Sorbo Gran Selezione is another red made from 100% Sangiovese grape variety. It is aged for 24 months in Troncais and Allier barrels.
• Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale IGT: The Flaccianello is an excellent Italian wine made from Fontodi’s finest Sangiovese grape bunches.
• Case Via Pinot Nero Colli Toscana Centrale IGT: Made from 100% Pinot Nero grapes, this Italian wine is fermented using indigenous yeasts for two weeks before being aged for one year.
• Case Via Syrah Colli Toscana Centrale IGT: Made from the estate’s best Syrah, this Tuscan wine is fermented using indigenous yeasts for three weeks before being aged for a year in Troncais and Allier barrels. 

B. White Wine

Fontodi only produces a single white wine, Meriggio. 

It is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Trebbiano grapes picked from the estate’ La Rota vineyard. This wine is matured in stainless steel and amphorae with lees for six months.

C. Dessert Wine

Fontodi also produces a luscious dessert wine, Vin SantoChianti Classico.

This prestigious dessert wine is made from Malvasia and Sangiovese grapes and aged for six years in chestnut and oak barrels. 

10 Fine Fontodi Wines to Buy in 2024  

The top 10 wines to collect and taste today: 

• 1995 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG
• 1998 Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione
• 2016 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale IGT
• 2006 Fontodi Case Via Pinot Nero Colli Toscana Centrale IGT
• 2006 Fontodi Case Via Syrah Colli Toscana Centrale IGT
• 2020 Fontodi Meriggio Colli Toscana Centrale IGT
• 2007 Fontodi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC
• 2016 Fontodi Di Filetta di Lamole
• 2015 Fontodi Dino Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
• 1982 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale IGT

1. 1995 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG ($92)

A bouquet of wild berries, exotic spice, and flowers characterize this wine. The 1995 vintage has an intense red color, and oak, rich tannins, and sour cherry flavors dominate the palate.

2. 1998 Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione ($165)

The 1998 vintage contains a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon, unlike Fontod’s usual 100% Sangiovese wines. 

Plums, rose petals, and cultivated tannin dominate the wine’s palate. The nose has scents of lime and orange.

3. 2016 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale IGT ($253)

This young bottle has hints of colorful spices and wild berries aromas. The palate showcases licorice and prunes notes and ripe tannins.

4. 2006 Fontodi Case Via Pinot Nero Colli Toscana Centrale IGT $800

This crimson red wine has an impressive aroma of cherry, oak, tobacco, and mint. The palate has powerful tannin with dark plum, blackberry, and a fruity aftertaste. 

5. 2006 Fontodi Case Via Syrah Colli Toscana Centrale IGT ($92)

Unlike the Rhone Valley, Fontodi’s Syrah breaks traditional expectations with fruity and sweet undertones. 

The 2006 Syrah will leave rich blackberry and ripe plum fruit taste on the palate. Light pepper and rich fruits scents characterize the nose. 

6. 2020 Fontodi Meriggio Colli Toscana Centrale IGT ($27)

Lime in color, this Meriggio wine has a crisp and fruity tasting note on the palate. This Sauvignon Blanc has the grassy perfume that most Chenin Blanc lack.

7. 2007 Fontodi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC ($239)

A Classico Riserva in its own right, this wine is the closest to proprietary red any of Fontodi’s reds will come. 

The nose gives off dates, apricot, and almond aromas. The palate is bold in texture with caramel and oak undertones.

8. 2016 Fontodi Di Filetta di Lamole ($33)

The nose of this Fontodi wine has aromas of wild berries, lavender, spice, and tobacco. This wine has a heavy body and distinct tannin on the palate.  

9. 2015 Fontodi Dino Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT ($79)

Named after Dino Manetti, this wine has a powerful bouquet of dark cherry, anise, and dried flowers that linger long after swallowing. The palate is a firm tannin with evident red fruit.

10. 1982 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale IGT ($804)

This wine has a vibrant ruby color, with earthy and Marasca cherry aromas with pronounced acidity on the palate.

Now, is Fontodi worth investing in?

Investing in Fontodi Wine

Fontodi’s red wines have an incredible aging potential of around 20 years and more.

Flaccianello is one of Italy’s most sought-after wines. Fontodi wines are also capturing the attention of wine lovers worldwide, including South Africa, New Zealand, and Canada. 

The Flaccianello wine has been awarded generously by critics. Wine Advocate gave the 2018 vintage 98 points. Wine Spectator gave the 2016 vintage 100 points calling it a “masterpiece.”

Fontodi wines also show commendable price appreciations:

• The 2009 Case Via Pinot Nero had an impressive performance between 2020-2022 with a price appreciation of 892% from $91 to $903. 
• The 1985 Flaccionello Della Pieve’s price increased by 95% between 2020-2022, rising from $159 to $310.

Adding to the value of the Pinot is the average production of just 4,000 bottles per year. Fontodi wines are exclusive and desirable.

Wondering how to get hold of these coveted labels?

Easily add a Fontodi vintage to your cellar with a trusted wine investment company like Vinovest - which lets you invest with just a few clicks.

Now:

Some other factors that make these wines so cellar-worthy are Fontodi’s superb vineyards and winemaking practices. 

Fontodi: Vineyards and Winemaking

The Manetti family owns 90 hectares of vineyard plots. 

Giovanni has great respect for the land. His organic viticulture practices and attentive cultivation leads to a wine that reflects a strong link to the terroir.

The Tenuta Fontodi vineyard is situated in a natural south-facing amphitheater of Conca dOro, commonly known as the “Golden Shell”. The high altitude results in cool evenings where grape bunches can mature slowly and completely.

The galestro soil helps drain water and gently releases treasured minerals to the vine as it breaks down. 

Giovanni uses wood barrels for aging and vinification. The cellars are on cascading levels with a cool flowing temperature of about 14°C and 80% humidity, ideal conditions for wine to age slowly. A small portion of all his wines is vinified in amphorae.

Upgrade Your Collection With The Finest Fontodi Wine Now!

Fontodi wines are bold and authentic, and their ability to age gracefully makes them a perfect investment. 

Whether you are in the USA, the United Kingdom, or anywhere else in the world, you can easily invest in these fine wines with just a few clicks. Visit the Vinovest website and start building a portfolio of rare and authentic wines now.