About Fontodi

One of the most admired and dynamic estates in the Chianti Classico area, Fontodi is located in the acclaimed “Conca d’Oro” (Golden Shell), an amphitheatre of vineyards just south of the hilltop town of Panzano in Chianti. The area’s particular terroir has been highly regarded for centuries for its quality wine production, thanks to a unique combination of altitude, soil composition, sunny exposure and ideal microclimate (warm and dry with a significant difference in day and nighttime temperatures). In 1968, the Fontodi property was purchased by the Manetti family, historically renowned for centuries in the Chianti area for its production of characteristic terracotta tiles. Since that time, the Manetti family has been continuously dedicated to the improvement and development of the entire estate, today under the guidance of Giovanni Manetti, from the state of the art production facilities to the meticulously tended vineyards.

The estate is certified organic and extends over about 130 hectares (320 acres), of which 80 (200 acres) are planted to vine. The property also farms about 40 hectares (100 acres) of olive trees, for the production of organic olive oil, and raises its own herd of Chianina cattle, utilizing the manure, mixed with vine cuttings, for organic compost. Every aspect of the activities carried out in the winery and vineyard are based on the principles of respect for nature and sustainability, essentially allowing the estate to operate autonomously by maximizing internal resources. The result is a wine that is a truer and more pure expression of the grape variety and the territory.

A new and modern cellar has recently been added to the property, constructed on descending levels to take advantage of gravity, a much softer process for the grapes, guaranteeing the utmost respect for the natural integrity of each berry. Vinification is carried out in stainless steel tanks or large wooden casks and ageing takes place in a combination of oak casks and French oak barriques, depending on the particular wine. Sangiovese-based wines make up the majority of the production with celebrated labels such as the Flaccianello della Pieve, Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo and Chianti Classico. Fontodi also produces several wines from international grape varieties including Case Via Syrah, Case Via Pinot Nero, and Meriggio Sauvignon Blanc.