FONTODI Pinot Nero `Case Via` 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. The vineyard on which the Pinot Nero is grown is called .Case Via. and is located on a steep, western facing slope just below the winery on the Fontodi estate. Plant density is 3,500 and 6,000 vines/ha and the vines are guyot trained. 2007 was characterised by a warm, dry winter and spring which encouraged an early start to the growing season. Very dry weather was mitigated by rain in June and a normal summer/autumn. Wines are powerful but still well-balanced as a result. Grapes were destalked and partially soft-pressed on arrival at the winery. Fermentation and maceration took place with natural yeasts in conical wooden vats with manual punching down of the cap. Temperatures ranged from 28-30C and the process lasted 14 days. Once the first half of fermentation had finished, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in Allier oak. It was then aged in Troncais oak for 12 months before bottling. It remained in bottle for a further year before release. Fontodi Pinot Nero is supremely elegant, with classic, smoky strawberry Pinot Noir perfumes on the nose but with the warmth of Tuscany on the palate, coupled with fine-grained tannins and a long spiced finish. Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 100% Pinot Noir Region Panzano Winemaker Giovanni Manetti Consultant Winemaker Franco Bernabei Closure Cork Certification Biodynamic Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £38.35 (Including VAT at 20%)