2021 Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva Del Sorbo, Tuscany

The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is an absolute stunner. Deep, layered and explosive, the 2021 captures all of the magic of this year in spades. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, spice and licorice all soar out of the glass. A wine of statuesque beauty elegance, the 2021 is utterly mesmerizing. I would be in no rush to drink this. The 2021 spent 14-15 months in barrique (25% new) and then 7-8 months in cask. Drink 2028-2046

97 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com June 2024

Giovanni Manetti and his family have produced an excellent set of new wines that elegantly interpret the 2021 vintage. My favorite of the bunch is the 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Vigna del Sorbo, which has a very slight edge over the Flaccianello della Pieve, in my view.

Now boasting the proud Panzano UGA on the front label, the Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Vigna del Sorbo is a little more delicate, even subdued, compared to its new brother, the more exuberant Terrazze San Leonlino. Vigna del Sorbo is a little more tuned in on itself, aromatically speaking, but reveals just enough complexity and sheer beauty to believe in the promise of its future aging potential. Even now, tasted so young, the wine's pedigree is evident. It excels in terms of complexity and depth. The tannins are velvety soft, and soft mineral aromas add focus. This certified expression of Sangiovese comes from a single parcel within the sun-drenched Conca d'Oro basin of vines that distinguishes Panzano. The Vigna del Sorbo stands out as one of my favorite wines from this region made in 2021. Drink 2025-2046

98+ points Monica Larner robertparker.com July 2024

 Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo from Tuscany is one of Italy’s most iconic and complete expressions of Sangiovese. Crafted by Giovanni Manetti at his organically farmed estate in Panzano, it epitomises the power and elegance of the Conca d’Oro, the natural amphitheatre of vineyards that forms the heart of Chianti Classico. Vigna del Sorbo has long been regarded as one of the great single-vineyard wines of Italy, combining the aromatic finesse of high-altitude Sangiovese with the depth and longevity of truly exceptional terroir.

The vineyard lies on the slopes surrounding the Fontodi estate, where south-western exposure and limestone-rich alberese soils provide perfect conditions for ripening. The vines, planted in the early 1980s, are farmed organically, and all fruit is hand picked and carefully sorted. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by an extended maceration for structure and complexity. The wine then matures for 18 to 24 months in French oak barriques and larger tonneaux, before further ageing in bottle to ensure harmony and refinement.

In the glass it shows deep ruby with garnet reflections. The aroma is alluring and complex, offering black cherry, wild herbs, violet and cedar alongside earthy hints of leather, spice and tobacco. The palate is powerful yet beautifully poised, with ripe red and dark fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. Layers of truffle, dried herbs and graphite unfold across a long, savoury finish that speaks to both site and skill.

It pairs magnificently with bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb, or pasta with game ragù. It also complements mature cheeses such as pecorino or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Though captivating in its youth, it truly rewards patience, evolving gracefully for two to three decades, gaining depth, warmth and haunting complexity over time.