FONTODI `Vigna del Sorbo` Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 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. Soils here are galestro, a classic Tuscan shale, which has excellent drainage and encourages the vines to put down deep roots. The grapes from which this wine is made are grown in the Vigna del Sorbo vineyard. The vines were planted in 1981, and the vineyard is situated at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, facing south/south-west. 2006 was an outstanding vintage in Tuscany, with perfect autumn weather conditions including long, sunny days and cool nights which allowed tannins to ripen well and encouraged development of the aromatic qualities in the grapes. The two varieties were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks for 18 days. During fermentation and maceration the cap was punched down twice a day. After fermentation the wine was aged in Allier barriques for 24 months prior to bottling. It remained in bottle for at least 6 months before release. Tremendous depth of colour, with all the fleshy elegance of this outstanding vintage evident in the Vigna del Sorbo. Intensely perfumed but restrained, with aromas of dark cherry and a touch of cassis from the Cabernet Sauvignon which also softens the structure of the Sangiovese. Vigna del Sorbo has ripe but powerful tannins and a smoky, blackberry fruit which lasts to the finish. Vintage 2006 Grape varieties 90% Sangiovese 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Region Panzano Winemaker Giovanni Manetti Consultant Winemaker Franco Bernabei Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14% Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £40.87 (Including VAT at 20%)