1997 Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
Extravagant aromas of crystallized black raspberry, leather, espresso, pepper, bitter chocolate and spice. Big and lush, with sappy, extremely rich black raspberry and cassis flavors complicated by leather, pepper and dark chocolate nuances. Dense and creamy. Finishes with suave tannins and superb length. Already accessible thanks to the richness of the vintage, this silky, powerful wine should deepen and gain in complexity with bottle aging. This was the first vintage made in the new cantina, all by gravity. There will be a single-vineyard '97, but this wine includes the juice that normally goes into the riserva bottling.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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.