2021 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale, Tuscany

The 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve is another exceptional wine from Fontodi this year. Ripe, silky tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit as the 2021 makes its presence felt from the first taste. Sumptuous, racy and dense, this is just magnificent. As has been the case for some time, Flaccianello is a blend of mostly three parcels throughout the estate but closer to town. Drink 2028-2046

98 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com June 2024

The Fontodi 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo, but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two, and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic 2021 vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins. Drink 2025-2046

98 points Monica Larner robertparker.com July 2024

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT from Tuscany is one of Italy’s greatest and most revered wines, a pure and powerful expression of Sangiovese that has become a global benchmark for modern Tuscan winemaking. Produced by the Manetti family at their historic Fontodi estate in the heart of Panzano in Chianti Classico, Flaccianello represents the culmination of decades of dedication to organic viticulture, meticulous vineyard management and an unwavering belief in the potential of Sangiovese to rival the world’s finest wines.

The wine comes entirely from the Flaccianello vineyard, a single, high-altitude site that sits above the Conca d’Oro (“Golden Basin”) amphitheatre of Panzano. The vineyard’s limestone-rich alberese soils and ideal south-facing exposure provide perfect conditions for ripening Sangiovese while maintaining its hallmark tension and aromatic lift. The grapes are organically farmed, hand picked at optimal ripeness, and sorted berry by berry before fermentation with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. After an extended maceration, the wine is matured for 18 to 24 months in new French oak barriques, followed by additional time in bottle before release.

In the glass it shows deep ruby with garnet edges. The aroma is captivating and complex, unfolding layers of black cherry, plum and violets intertwined with cedar, tobacco, leather, and hints of sage, graphite and sweet spice. The palate is full bodied yet poised, combining richness and precision in perfect harmony. Juicy red and dark fruit is framed by fine, polished tannins and vibrant acidity, leading to an extraordinarily long, mineral-driven finish. The interplay of power, purity and structure gives Flaccianello its signature balance and remarkable longevity.

It pairs magnificently with aged bistecca alla Fiorentina, roast lamb, truffle risotto or braised beef. It also complements aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano. While profoundly enjoyable after a few years in bottle, it will age effortlessly for 20 to 30 years, gaining layers of earth, spice, tobacco and savoury depth while retaining its Sangiovese core of energy and grace.

Flaccianello della Pieve has achieved near-mythic status among collectors and critics alike, often earning perfect or near-perfect scores from leading reviewers. It stands as a defining example of the Tuscan “Super Sangiovese” movement, a wine that bridges the past and future of Italian winemaking, built on integrity, precision and a deep connection to place.