Fattoria di Felsina "Fontalloro" Toscana IGT 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WA 96] [WE 95] [JS 95] [WS 95] [VM 94]

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 - Wine Advocate:
"Made with a special selection of Sangiovese, the 2020 Fontalloro is generous and rich, and the wine sports medium-dark color and concentration. The winemaking team has succeeded in bringing out an especially elegant side to this vintage. The wine offers pronounced notes of cherry and wild plum with delicate spice at the back. Like the other wines in this portfolio, there is a pretty mineral note that makes for a consistent through-line in all these new releases." - Monica Larner (May 2023)

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Aromas of pomegranate syrup, fig, gun metal and bergamot create a nose that's profound without sacrificing deliciousness. The palate is defined by a tension between dark, rich fruit and lively, warm citrus, while substantial, chewy tannins and lively acid fortify a tangy, anchoring earthiness." (Dec 2024)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Very refined and complex nose with a hint of pine cones, botanicals and dark mushrooms to the zesty oranges, mineral, fine musk and plums. Juicy, dry but textured on the palate with stacks of dusty tannins growing on the savory, full-bodied palate. Long and quite mineral in the finish. Better from 2025." (Aug 2023)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A vibrant red, with fleeting aromas of lavender and wild rosemary mingling with cherry, orange peel, earth, mineral and tobacco flavors. On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony, refined tannins and a long, complex aftertaste. Sangiovese. Best from 2026 through 2045." - Bruce Sanderson (Oct 2023)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Fontalloro is a sensual, enveloping wine. Dark red-toned fruit, sweet spice, tobacco, cedar and mint are all beautifully delineated. Fontalloro is a pure Sangiovese from vineyards that straddle the Chianti Classico and Colli Senesi appellations. The duality is very much on display here. (Drink between 2027-2040)" - Antonio Galloni (Aug 2023)