2022 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany

Tense, firm and juicy with sour cherries, raspberry bush, crushed spices, dried blood orange, cocoa and iron on the nose. The medium- to full-bodied palate is structured and well-framed, with vivid acidity driving the fruit. Long and balanced. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

93 points James Suckling

Few estates have done more to define modern Chianti Classico than Fontodi. Nestled in the famed Conca d'Oro amphitheatre south of Panzano, the Manetti family has owned the property since 1968 and transformed it into one of Tuscany's benchmark producers. Giovanni Manetti, now one of Italy's most respected wine figures, oversees an estate farmed entirely organically, where Sangiovese thrives on galestro soils and the warm, sun drenched slopes that make this corner of Chianti Classico so special.

The 2022 vintage showcases the resilience of Sangiovese and the remarkable consistency of Fontodi's vineyards. Fruit is sourced from estate parcels surrounding the winery, fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in large oak casks and French oak barrels to build complexity while preserving freshness and vineyard character. The result is a wine that captures the purity, energy and elegance that have made Fontodi a favourite among collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

Brilliant ruby red in colour, the bouquet bursts with aromas of black cherry, red plum and wild berries, layered with violet, dried herbs and subtle notes of tobacco and spice. The palate is beautifully poised, combining vibrant red and dark fruits with savoury Tuscan character. Fine grained tannins provide structure without heaviness, while lively acidity brings freshness and length. Hints of cedar, earth and liquorice emerge through the finish, creating a wine that is both approachable and wonderfully complex.

At the table, it is hard to imagine a better partner for slow cooked beef ragù with pappardelle, wild mushroom risotto, grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary or a classic eggplant parmigiana. Equally satisfying on its own, it offers the balance and versatility that have made Chianti Classico one of the world's great food wines. While delicious now, it will continue to develop additional savoury complexity over the next eight to twelve years.