The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo (100% Sangiovese) is a wine that inspires a deep, deep breath into your glass. There's so much to take in and admire. So where to start? First, the wine shows a beautiful appearance that is thick and dark but allows for just enough ambient light to make it shine with ruby rays from deep inside. Then you have the bouquet that presents a solid wall of interwoven and ultimately beautifully balanced aromas. There is dark fruit, tobacco, leather, spice and polished river stone. Lastly, the mouthfeel reveals a similar level of extreme flavor equilibrium with very fine but still very young tannins. That mid-weight structure, matched to the wine's natural acidity, is a major guarantee of longevity. Bottle production in this vintage is 30,000 units strong. (ML)
What a nose of clay, earth, crushed stones, rose petals, red licorice, baking spices, tar and Chinese spices. The level of sophistication to the red-fruited core, laser-sharp acidity and polished tannins, which grip and caress the palate, make this the greatest Chianti Classico ever made by Fontodi. From organically grown grapes. A long, long finish. Drink in 2022.
Another captivating wine in this range, the 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is all class. A rush of dark cherry, plum, sage, lavender and menthol races across the palate. Deep and powerful, yet also remarkably light on its feet, the 2015 has it all. Moreover, the 2015 is one of the most refined Vigna del Sorbos yet. It won't be long before the 2015 is recognized as one of the all-time great Vigna del Sorbos. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti prefers whole berry ferments in order to maintain as much freshness as possible. In recent years, Manetti has reduced punchdowns to just once a day in fermentation. The gentler approach to extraction comes through loud and clear.
Fontodi's Vigna del Sorbo sits in front of the estate. Southwest facing on galestro soil, the vineyard totals 8ha at an altitude of 450 metres. First produced in 1985, it has been designated as a Gran Selezione since the 2010 vintage. Initially closed, this expands slowly with nuances of red cherry, currants, earth, sage and liquorice coming into clear focus. The palate is well-endowed with compact fruit that has effortlessly absorbed the oak and maintained its integrity. The tannins are vigorous yet harmonious, making for a powerful wine that manages to remain elegantly poised. Drinking Window 2021 - 2036
Tasted by Michaela Morris (at Chianti Classico New Releases Tasting, 11 Feb 2019)
Part of Michaela Morris’s top fine wines of 2019 - Italy and Beyond
We use cookies, which are small text files, to improve your experience on our website and to show you personalised content.
You can allow all or manage them individually.
