Fontodi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico precisely in the valley which lies south of the town of Panzano and is called the “Conca d’Oro” (the golden shell) because of its amphitheatre shape. A genuine and characteristic “Terroir”, famous for centuries for its tradition of quality wine cultivation, thanks to a unique combination of high altitude, calcar clayschist soil, lots of light, and a fantastic micro-climate – warm and dry with a marked difference in day and night-time temperatures.
Though the Manetti family has owned Fontodi since 1968, they have lived in Chianti for centuries, producing some of Italy’s finest terracotta at their factory in Ferrone. The same attention to detail afforded to their terracotta has been reflected at Fontodi over the past 50 years, transforming a crumbling farmhouse with a few hectares of vineyard into one of Chianti Classico’s most impressive estates.
Giovanni Manetti has run the property since 1980 and ensures the wines are as meticulously made, with the vineyards and cellar immaculately tended. Giovanni’s 107 hectares of vineyard, 90% of which are Sangiovese, are planted in Panzano’s prime ‘conca d‘oro’ (golden shell), creating wines of supreme elegance, intensity and longevity. The south-facing vineyards and natural amphitheatre allow grapes to ripen fully, while the high elevations ensure cool nights, resulting in good acidity retention and lovely aromatics. Soils here allow for excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to reach deep into the earth with their roots. Giovanni has converted to organic viticulture and follows biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit.
In the winery, Giovanni’s approach is similarly non-interventionist. For example, he utilises very low toast oak to ensure the quality of fruit is preserved in the finished wine. Giovanni’s Chianti Classico always shows great depth and intensity while maintaining balance.
