2022 Le Fonti Chianti Classico
Grape
Mainly Sangiovese with a little Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Its Origins
Vicky Schmitt and Guido Vitali have run this small estate in Panzano since 1994. Le Fonti is a boutique winery producing only about 40-50,000 bottles a year. Halfway between Florence and Siena, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, lies the small village of Panzano, home of the most famed wines in Chianti. Just below the village church, at 450 m above sea level, is the Fattoria Le Fonti. It extends over 15 hectares with just 9 hectares of vineyards, and the rest olive groves. Most of the vineyards are north facing, basically the opposite exposure of Panzano’s fabled Conca d’Oro. These were once considered less-favored sites, but climate change has changed perceptions about what is favorable and not. Biodynamic farming and low intervention winemaking are the rule here. From the harvest to the final blend, they depend on family manpower and sophisticated taste. All vineyards have been replanted since 1994, taking great care to select the right type of plants with the correct rootstock. The also renovated and extended the cellars. These are wines that really stand out thanks to their superb price-to-quality ratio.
What The Critics Say
92/100 Wine Align, Michael Godel
"Certified Organic. Clean, complete aromatics, ripe, deep dark fruits, fully integrated. Certainly dense and dark, with fine length and depth, a solid mouthful and successful 2022. Juicy and forthright 2022 as much as any in Panzano and the 9% percent merlot and 1% cabernet sauvignon are to thank for the softening of this wine. As it stands there is great structure involved and the expert blending has led this ’22 in a very proper direction. Drink 2025-2028."
92/100 Vinous, Antonio Galloni (2021 Vintage)
"The 2021 Chianti Classico is a gorgeous mid-weight wine from one of the cooler sectors within Panzano. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint and white pepper are all lifted in this striking, understated Chianti Classico. The purity of the flavors is notable. This is a superb wine from Le Fonti." Drink 2024-2036
91/100 Decanter, Michaela Morris
"Located just beneath the town of Panzano, Le Fonti’s nine hectares of vineyards surround the estate. The annata is crafted from plots on east-facing slopes which bask in the gentle morning sun. Despite losing 50% of Sangiovese production to frost in 2021, the annata is a lovely expression of the vintage: animated, full and frisky. Vivid red cherry is complemented by earthy herbs and hints of cacao. The palate is well padded with juicy berries. It exhibits proper tension, chewy tannins and a crunchy bite. Very satiating." Drink 2024-2030
| Variety | Sangiovese |
|---|---|
| Region | Tuscany |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2032 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
