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Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino 2019 750ml
Case of 6
OUT OF STOCKPre-arrival
Sample image only.Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.
SKU 918979
$560.22/case
$93.37/bottle
Tariffs included
Out of stock
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Fontodi’s brand spanking new Terrazze San Leolino Gran Selezione is a stunner. San Leolino was recognised locally as a cru site 200 years ago. The recently renewed terraces sit at 450 metres in Panzano but – unlike Fontodi’s Vigna del Sorbo, which is characterised by Galestro – the soil here is calcareous Alberese. Though recently bottled, this is forthright in its earthy, stony, mineral-like aromas. Elegant yet profound, the palate demonstrates decisive rose, red cherry and long-chained, enveloping tannins, finishing with a tangy salinity. It is still very buttoned up but has so much promise.
The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively – full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Tuscany
The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.
Appellation
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico stands out for its rich history, exceptional terroir, and distinctive winemaking traditions. Centered around the Sangiovese grape, these wines are renowned for their vibrant acidity, lively cherry and floral notes, and a signature earthy character. What sets it apart is the stringent production regulations, requiring a minimum of 80% Sangiovese, ensuring a regional identity. The iconic black rooster on the label symbolizes the commitment to quality, distinguishing Chianti Classico from other Chianti subzones.
The wines undergo a minimum aging period of 12 months, with some oak aging, resulting in a harmonious balance between fruit expression and nuanced complexity. This meticulous approach highlights the region’s dedication to preserving authenticity and showcasing the unique characteristics of its terroir.
DC96pts
Decanter
Fontodi’s brand spanking new Terrazze San Leolino Gran Selezione is a stunner. San Leolino was recognised locally as a cru site 200 years ago. The recently renewed terraces sit at 450 metres in Panzano but - unlike Fontodi’s Vigna del Sorbo, which is characterised by Galestro - the soil here is calcareous Alberese. Though recently bottled, this is forthright in its earthy, stony, mineral-like aromas. Elegant yet profound, the palate demonstrates decisive rose, red cherry and long-chained, enveloping tannins, finishing with a tangy salinity. It is still very buttoned up but has so much promise.
WA95pts
Wine Advocate
Here is yet another surprise from Fontodi born during the pandemic. A second new addition to the portfolio, the 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leonlino is made with organic fruit from a parcel near the little chapel of the same name in the Conca d'Oro of Panzano. The winey team had noticed a difference in quality from this 4.5-hectare site with limestone alberese soils at a cool 450 to 500 meters in elevation. The best fruit from 15-year-old vines was put aside to make this 5,000-bottle inaugural release. The celebrated Vigna del Sorbo is not too far away, but compared to the wine made from that site, Terrazze San Leonlino is sharper, more focused and offers streamlined fruit weight. The bouquet veers toward wild roses and Mediterranean herb, giving more vertical push to the aromas. The tannins are silky and polished. This new brand will grow slowly over the coming years.
JS95pts
James Suckling
Impressive aromas of blackberries and paprika with some toffee. Full-bodied, round, soft and luscious. Hard not to drink now, but better in two or three years.
JD95pts
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Leolino is expressive of its sunny site but is fresh with black raspberry liqueur, lavender, and rocky earth. It is pure and full bodied, though not heavy at all, with wonderful freshness and a chiseled structure that is long on the palate, revealing a perfume of cedar, cherry, and floral fruit on the finish. Allow it another couple of years and drink 2024-2044.
WS93pts
Wine Spectator
A pretty red, evoking cherry, blackberry, black currant, violet and iron aromas and flavors backed by lively tannins and vivid acidity, which keep this focused and long. The balance tips slightly to the dusty tannins in the end. Best from 2026 through 2045. 400 cases made, 100 cases imported.
