Name: Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2016 750ml
Brand: Fontodi
SKU: 878151
Price: 132.25 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 96.8 (4 reviews)

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Winery

Fontodi

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Varietal

Sangiovese

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 â€“ 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.

WA 98pts

Wine Advocate

The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is another benchmark wine from Tuscany that shows the incredible potential of this iconic vintage. This beautiful single-vineyard Sangiovese reveals a graceful side with dark fruit intensity, cherry, plum, fresh violets and tilled earth. Tar, tobacco and licorice appear as delicate background tones, giving more volume and texture to the wine's sensorial impact. Vigna del Sorbo shows its own precise identity that is fiercely faithful to Sangiovese, but that also pushes the boundaries to go beyond our highest expectations of the grape in terms of color, concentration, aromatic complexity and staying power. That's the Panzano magic in a nutshell.

JS 98pts

James Suckling

This is always an entrancing Gran Selezione and the 2016 shows dried raspberries, boysenberries, vanilla and brambleberries. Full-bodied and tightly wound with eye-catching minerality. The acidity sharpens out the exuberant red fruit perfectly. Incredible length and drinkability. Is this better even than the great 2015? I think so. From organically grown grapes. Drink in 2023.

VM 97pts

Vinous Media

Just as it was last year, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is magnificent. Dark, brooding and reticent, the 2016 is not ready to show all it's got. If anything, the 2016 is even more reticent than it was last year at this time. Vigna del Sorbo has a great track record for aging. I have no doubt the 2016 will blossom in bottle, but that is not going to happen anytime soon.

WS 94pts

Wine Spectator

Light oak notes wrap around a core of black cherry, black currant, iron and earth flavors in this intense red. Firm and balanced, with a fresh, mineral- and tobacco-tinged finish. Best from 2021 through 2038. 1,700 cases made, 800 cases imported.

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Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2016 750ml

Case of 6

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