1983 Flaccianello della Pieve
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Despite its 36 years of age, the 1983 Flaccianello della Pieve opens a little window, a tiny one, of decipherable primary fruit, and this comes as a total surprise. The wine is well evolved for sure (look at its amber-crimson color), but there is a momentary flash of dried cherry or plum that points to a glimmer of life or a distant heartbeat somewhere deep inside its core. It's like seeing an unexpected sliver of sunlight at the end of a pitch black subterranean cave, and its discovery fills you with joy and hope. Although subtle, this wine shows a point of brightness or buoyancy with dark fruit, cured meat and tobacco. If it were not for the fresh acidity that still shines bright, this wine would have flatlined many years ago. Luckily for us, its pulse continues to persevere.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1983 Flaccianello della Pieve caresses the palate with its soft, gently spiced fruit. Although the 1983 is a slender Flaccianello, everything is simply in the right place. Subtle and inviting, the 1983 is a jewel of a wine. At the outset it rivals the 1982 for pure pleasure, but then trails off a bit on the finish.
About the producer
Based just outside Panzano-in-Chianti, Chianti Classico estate Fontodi was acquired by the Manettis in 1968, a family which has established its modern reputation. Today the leading property is best known for its Flaccianello delle Pieve, the pure Sangiovese Super Tuscan first made in 1981.