From the sun-drenched slopes of Chianti Classico comes a wine of remarkable pedigree—Vigna del Sorbo 2019, a Gran Selezione that captures the soul of Fontodi and the storied terroir of Tuscany. Crafted exclusively from 100% Sangiovese, this wine is born from venerable 55-year-old vines, their roots delving deep into the limestone-rich soils of the southwest-facing Vigna del Sorbovineyard. Here, under the watchful gaze of the Tuscan sun, a labor of love unfolds, yielding a wine that is both elegant and powerful, refined yet exuberant.
The Art of Crafting a Legend
With 3,500 to 6,000 vines per hectare, each cluster is a testament to nature’s generosity, vinified with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks for at least three weeks. A patient slumber in French oak barrels and casks for 24 months bestows the wine with its velvety texture and depth, before it emerges—a mere 25,000 bottles of liquid artistry.
A Portrait in the Glass
Pour a glass, and behold its deep, brooding ruby hue, kissed at the edges with a flicker of garnet—a whisper of its unfolding evolution. The bouquet is a fragrant tapestry, where black cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum waltz with hints of violet, leather, and tobacco. As the wine breathes, a chorus of black pepper, clove, and earthy undertones join the melody, accompanied by the signature mineral streak imparted by the limestone-rich soils.
A Palate of Pure Harmony
Vigna del Sorbo is not just a wine—it’s a performance. On the palate, it unfurls with grace and structure, where opulent dark fruit—ripe cherries, blackberries, and cassis—meets the savory whispers of leather, tobacco, and balsamic intrigue. Firm yet polished tannins lend backbone and longevity, while a vibrant acidity keeps the wine nimble and fresh. As the curtain falls, nuances of dried herbs, smoky oak, and spice linger on the finish, long and poetic, like the last note of an aria still echoing in the air.
Aging Like a Timeless Classic
For those with patience, Vigna del Sorbo 2019 promises a future of splendor. Over the next 10 to 20 years, its layers will unfold like the pages of a well-loved novel, each sip revealing new depths, textures, and whispers of its Tuscan heritage.
A wine of stature, a masterpiece in a bottle—Vigna del Sorbo 2019 is an invitation to savor Tuscany’s finest expression of Sangiovese at its most profound.
Perfect Food Pairings:
A wine as bold, complex, and elegantly structured as Vigna del Sorbo 2019 deserves dishes that can match its depth while complementing its rich dark fruit, earthy undertones, and vibrant acidity. Here are some inspired pairings that bring out the best in this stunning Chianti Classico Gran Selezione:
• Osso Buco alla Milanese – The succulent braised veal shank, slow-cooked with tomatoes, wine, and aromatic herbs, finds a perfect counterbalance in Vigna del Sorbo’s bright acidity and layered fruit profile.
• Risotto al Tartufo – A luxurious truffle risotto, rich and creamy, is elevated by the wine’s minerality and spice.
• Eggplant Parmesan – The combination of roasted eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted cheese plays beautifully with the wine’s acidity and tannins.
• Grilled Lamb Chops with Herbs – The rosemary, thyme, and garlic in the marinade enhance the wine’s herbal and savory nuances.
• Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction – The rich duck meat and sweet-tart cherry sauce echo the black cherry and balsamic notes in the wine.
few words on the winery…..
Fontodi: A Tuscan Masterpiece in the Heart of Chianti Classico
Nestled in the sun-kissed hills of Panzano, within the beating heart of Chianti Classico, lies Fontodi—a winery where history, tradition, and innovation dance in perfect harmony. Perched within the famed Conca d’Oro, a natural amphitheater celebrated for its golden light, limestone-rich soils, and impeccable microclimate, Fontodi is a place where vines thrive, roots deepen, and extraordinary wines are born.
For generations, the estate has been lovingly tended by the Manetti family, whose expertise extends beyond viticulture to the timeless art of terracotta—a fitting parallel, as both pursuits demand patience, precision, and a profound respect for the earth. Their commitment to organic and sustainable farming is not just a philosophy but a way of life; the vineyards hum with biodiversity, untouched by synthetic chemicals, and in perfect balance with nature.
A Legacy of Excellence
Though Fontodi’s story traces back to the early 19th century, it is in recent decades that it has earned its place among Tuscany’s elite estates, crafting wines that honor tradition while embracing modern refinement. The estate spans 130 hectares, with 70 hectares under vine, each parcel carefully cultivated to express the full soul of Sangiovese. South-facing slopes, superb drainage, and limestone-rich soils create an environment where grapes ripen slowly and steadily, developing the complexity and depth that define Fontodi’s signature style.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
In the cellar, Fontodi follows a winemaking philosophy that is both respectful of the past and attuned to the future. Fermentation unfolds naturally in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by extended maceration to extract the fullest expression of fruit, structure, and terroir. Aging in oak barrels adds finesse, enhancing the wines’ elegance while allowing their Tuscan soul to shine through.
The result? Wines that are pure, powerful, and profoundly expressive, capturing the essence of Chianti Classico with every sip. Fontodi is more than a winery—it is a testament to the timeless beauty of Tuscany, a bridge between past and future, and a beacon of excellence in the world of fine wine.