Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano 2021 (750ml)
Product price
$139.99
Description
The Gran Selezione tier of Chianti Classico is reserved for a producer's most serious single-parcel bottlings, and this one now carries the Panzano UGA on its label, a small geographic designation that marks it as coming from one of the region's most distinctive pockets. Fontodi draws it from a single plot below the winery, the Vigna del Sorbo, set on schistous Galestro soil between 400 and 450 meters, planted with vines now 50 to 60 years old. It is pure Sangiovese, from the sun-facing Conca d'Oro basin that defines Panzano, and owner Giovanni Manetti points out that the same crew has worked this parcel for years. The 2021 spent roughly 15 months in barrique before finishing in large casks.
This is the more inward, self-contained of Fontodi's Gran Selezione pair, less exuberant on first pour and more a wine of depth than of display. Given air, it unfurls slowly, a smoky incense and dusty, sun-warmed earth leading into black cherry, blackcurrant, lavender, and darker notes of mocha, clove, and cedar. The palate is dense and sturdy, but the tannins are velvety and fine-grained, carrying a clay-like, almost terracotta texture, with soft mineral tones lending focus. There is real pedigree and future here, and no reason to hurry it. Cell
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Color | Red |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Subregion | Chianti Classico |
| Producer | Fontodi |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Specialty | Low Sulfites / No Added SulfitesOrganic |
Expert Reviews
Now boasting the proud Panzano UGA on the front label, the Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Vigna del Sorbo is a little more delicate, even subdued, compared to its new brother, the more exuberant Terrazze San Leonlino. Vigna del Sorbo is a little more tuned in on itself, aromatically speaking, but reveals just enough complexity and sheer beauty to believe in the promise of its future aging potential. Even now, tasted so young, the wine's pedigree is evident. It excels in terms of complexity and depth. The tannins are velvety soft, and soft mineral aromas add focus. This certified expression of Sangiovese comes from a single parcel within the sun-drenched Conca d'Oro basin of vines that distinguishes Panzano. The Vigna del Sorbo stands out as one of my favorite wines from this region made in 2021. (Wine Advocate, July 2024)
The Sorbo vineyard sits just below the winery on schistous Galestro soil between 400 and 450 metres and boasts 50- to 60-year-old vines. Owner Giovanni Manetti says it is the same team that has harvested this plot for years. The 2021 spent 15 months in barriques followed by nine in large casks, and unfurls leisurely from a smoky incense overlay through dusty, sunbaked earth to black cherry. Virile and sturdy, the palate packs in dense fruit, glimpses of clove and cedar, and pops with blackcurrant purity. A clayey, terracotta-like texture accompanies generous chewy tannins. Plenty here for a long rest in the cellar. (Decanter, February 2024)
The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is an absolute stunner. Deep, layered and explosive, the 2021 captures all of the magic of this year in spades. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, spice and licorice all soar out of the glass. A wine of statuesque beauty elegance, the 2021 is utterly mesmerizing. I would be in no rush to drink this. The 2021 spent 14-15 months in barrique (25% new) and then 7-8 months in cask. (Vinous)