Tuscan Collectibles: Fontodi Flaccianello – The Wine

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve is an uncompromising red in many ways. It is made from organically grown pure Sangiovese from a single vineyard below the town of Panzano, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. It is firm and structured and nearly always in reserve. It ages wonderfully, remaining fresh and persistent on the palate, and intense and aromatic on the nose.

I went to the winery and met owner Giovanni Manetti and tasted the last three vintages of Flaccianello in bottle: 2006, 2007, and 2008. I thought the 2006 would be amazing, since I scored it close to perfection a couple of years ago in my blind tastings. It is still amazing. The big surprise was that I slightly preferred the 2008 to the 2007; I thought the 2007 would be better. Manetti explained that a poor flowering affected the 2008 and reduced the crop, so the wines are consequently more concentrated. Listen to him explain the style of Flaccianello. It’s my No. 7 wine on my list of the 12 Best Tuscan Collectible Wines.

2006 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve: This is an incredible wine. It shows aromas of violets, berries, and licorice that show fresh porcini mushrooms as well. It’s full and very balanced with fresh acidity and wonderful length. Fabulous. Give it time still, if you can hold yourself back from drinking it. 99 points. 

2007 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve: Lots of ripe fruit with a smoky, meaty, bacon, and cherry character – even dried mango and other fruits. Full and round tannins with bright acidity and an intense finish. Loads going on here. New wood is a little overpowering now but will come around wonderfully. Give it three to four years of bottle age still. 95 points.

2008 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve: The pureness of fruit is so intense here. It’s also so clean and beautiful. The wine shows fabulous aromas of flowers, blueberries, and raspberries. It’s full-bodied, with chocolate, licorice, and plums. The texture is very velvety. This is a wine in near perfect proportions. 97 points.