FONTODI Flaccianello della Pieve 2007 The Manetti family has owned Fontodi since 1969 but has been in Chianti for centuries. Though they have always made wine, their primary business is still the production of Chianti.s finest terracotta at their factory in Ferrone. Giovanni Manetti has run the property since 1980, building a new cellar in 1998 and ensuring the wines are as meticulously made as the vineyards are immaculately tended. Their 70 hectares of vineyard are situated in the prime .conca d.oro. (golden shell) of Panzano, and over the past six years these have been converted to organic viticulture. Giovanni is now following biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit. Flaccianello is made from a selection of the best grapes from the best parts of the Fontodi vineyards. The soil here is classic .galestro., the schistous clay on which the Sangiovese grape produces its best results. A mild, dry winter and spring 2007 favoured early growth and budding. A mix of rain in June and high temperatures in July restored the balance and the grapes ripened well. The grapes were all picked in excellent condition, with particularly good concentration of polyphenols. Fermentation and maceration lasted 25 days temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The cap was punched down twice a day during fermentation which reached a maximum temperature of 30oC. The wine was then racked into new French oak barriques (Allier and Troncais) where it remained for 20 months before bottling. This deep coloured yet vibrant wine is a fine successor to the vaunted 2006. It is open on the nose, showing perfumes of ripe, dark cherries, violets and plums all spiced with a hint of wood smoke. On the palate it is more closed, rich and full yet taut and poised and beautifully structured, with the fine, supple tannins which characterise this vintage, its flavours lingering on the finish. It is another classic from this superb estate. Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Panzano Winemaker Giovanni Manetti Consultant Winemaker Franco Bernabei Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 15% Acidity 6.24g/l Residual Sugar 0.2g/l Wine pH 3.38 Bottle Sizes 75cl, 150cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £56.62 (Including VAT at 20%)