Posted By Joel on June 17, 2010

Fontodi Chianti Classico 2004, DOCG

Respect. Rispetto. A word our family elders made sure we kids understood when we were growing up.

A word… that has made all the difference.

And a word, I’ve observed, that so often keeps company with good wine.

At the Fontodi estate, located in the heart of Italy’s Chianti zone nearby the town of Panzano, Respect plays an important role in producing one of Italy’s best Chianti Classico wines.

Purchased by the Manetti family in 1968, Fontodi has great DNA, that is to say, the estate has a lot to work with for sure: spectacular location in the amphitheater-shaped valley known as the Conco d’Oro; advantageous microclimate, warm and dry, with day and night temperatures that obligingly oscillate low and high; calcareous clay schist soil that a grape can love; high altitude; abundant light.

But, there is more, I think: a theme of profound respect can be observed at work as a natural part of the Fontodi mentality… respect for nature; for an idea called Quality; for Chianti tradition extending beyond the estate itself; respect that informs Fontodi passion and that here, too…makes all the difference.

Fontodi is an organically run estate (first certified vintage is 2008, I believe) consisting of approximately 130 hectares, 70 of which are under vine. The estate’s approach to agriculture is modeled upon respect for total environment: no chemical products are used and an initiative to more effectively utilize the estate’s own resources creates less dependence and consumption of outside resources.

Fontodi Chianti Classico is made from Sangiovese grapes, planted to a density of 6,000 vines per hectare, grown in the property’s vineyards. Fermentation is carried out in tanks using natural indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged in Allier and Troncois barrels for about 12 months.

Tasting Notes / Impresssions:

Incredibly pure, clean aromatics of dark cherry and blackberry brightened by a hint of strawberry; earth, tobacco, rosemary and spice. Voluptuous and supple palate showing good concentration / intensity, notes of milk chocolate. Beautifully structured, delicious acidity, great length on the finish. A wine with tons of elegant style.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

I loved this wine with roasted pork loin served with brown gravy made from roasting juices, scalloped potatoes layered with ricotta cheese and baked till golden brown, swiss chard with oil and garlic.

MEATS: roasted, grilled or pan fried red meats; I especially like roast pork and char grilled lamb or beef with this wine; game birds; PASTA: suggest wide noodle pasta types such as Pappardelle, served perhaps with rich rabbit ragu! POLENTA: soft or grilled, sauced with sausage ragu; RISOTTO: sausage or mushroom risotto; VEGETARIAN: adapt the wide style Pappardelle noodles mentioned above, serving it instead with porcini mushroom cream sauce, or tossed with toasted olive oiled bread crumbs and topped with a juicy fried egg; of course, the mushroom risotto will work for vegetarians, too, as would an earthy seitan risotto.

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Categories: $$ ($25-$50), Tuscany, Wine
Tags: Sangiovese