Fattoria di Felsina "Fontalloro" Toscana IGT 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 96] [JD 95] [VM 94] [WE 93] [WS 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Fontalloro is the most representative expression of Felsina’s Sangiovese.
Fontalloro grapes come from vineyards straddling the border between Chianti Classico and the Chianti Colli Senesi denomination. The vineyards lying within the Chianti Classico appellation are in the highest area of Felsina while those in the Chianti Colli Senesi are lower down (407-330 meters above sea level). With a southwestern exposure, the grapes are influenced by diverse soil compositions: on the Chianti Classico side the soil is stony and calcareous; on the Crete Senesi side the soil is sandy, loamy and silty with pebbles and marine sediments. First vintage 1983.

Tasting Notes:
Ruby red color with rich and intense tones. Variety of aromatic herbs accentuated with generous notes of tobacco and wet earth (dry earth, as well), black currant and licorice. The palate manifests good consistency of medium-smooth tannins to ensure the lengthy ageing. Rich structure and weight and elegant breed on the finish. Optimum cellar life in all vintages.

VINIFICATION:
After the quality-selected clusters are de-stemmed and pressed, the must is fermented and macerated in stainless steel for 16-20 days at 28°C and 30°C, with programmed punchdowns and daily pumpovers. In March-April, the new wine goes into new and into first used French oak barrels; after 18-22 months of maturation, the final blend is assembled, bottled, and ages in glass a minimum of 8-12 months.

Denomination: Indicazione Geografica Tipica Toscana

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

Growing area: Poggio al Sole and Arcidossino areas

Vineyard density: About 5.400 vines per hectare.
Training system: Bilateral cordon training system.
Harvest: Hand harvested in two phases, selecting the finest grapes.
Vineyard age: From the selection of the vineyards of the eighties were conducted thorough investigations to identify the most suitable parent plants at drawing grafting and replanting took place in the early 2000s.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - James Suckling: 
"A fresh and crunchy Fontalloro with currants, orange peel and hints of peaches and cedar. Medium body, firm and fine tannins and a crisp and bright finish. Lots of energy and verticality to this! Drink after 2025." (Aug 2022)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: 
"Composed entirely of Sangiovese, the 2019 Fontalloro is a compelling wine, with layers of graphite, leather, cherry licorice, and Mediterranean herbs. Medium to full bodied, it has a weightless feel, although it is not lacking for concentration and ripe tannins. This continues to improve and evolve as it opens, so if opening now, it would be worth decanting. If you can, wait a while, since this will continue to improve over the coming 10-15 years." – Audrey Frick (Jan 2023)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Fontalloro is terrific. In this vintage, the blend of three vineyards is a plus in giving a wine endowed with density, resonance and plenty of Sangiovese character. Dried herbs, leather, incense, tobacco and cedar open with time in the glass. (Drink between 2024-2036)” – Antonio Galloni (Jul 2022)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast: 
"Freshly turned soil, spent coffee grounds and pencil shavings are on the nose with just a hint of dried cherry opening onto a palate bursting with fresh cherries and orange peel, structured by tannins that are welcoming but nonetheless hold their integrity." — Danielle Callegari (Sep 2023)

92 Points - Wine Spectator: 
"Presents plum, mulberry and earth flavors wrapped in smoky, toasty oak, with dense tannins underneath. Wiry and elegant yet balanced, with a lingering spice- and smoke-infused aftertaste. Sangiovese. Best from 2024 through 2033. 3,750 cases made, 2,000 cases imported." – Bruce Sanderson (Sep 2022)