Fontodi Pinot Nero "Case Via" IGT 2018
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 92] [VM 91] [WS 91]

About the Wine:
A winery outside the logic of the market - that of Fontodi - which, immersed in the hills of central Tuscany, produces labels with a precise identity, enhancing its vineyards and its territory. A Pinot Noir, the “Case Via”, intriguing in its aromas and delicious on the palate, for a refined and never predictable sip. From careful vinification and 18 months of rest in barrique, a splendid red is born, produced in the heart of the Chianti Classico using an international vine variety. It is a fragrant and fruity Pinot Noirof a unique elegance.

Tasting Notes:
At sight, compact and bright ruby red. Cherry and mint, licorice and raspberries, then again jasmine and tea leaves: the olfactory bouquet is wide and intriguing. The entry into the mouth is elegant, velvety in the tannic texture, soft and fresh at the same time. Long persistence.

Food Pairing:
Perfect to accompany the second courses of land cuisine, it is excellent with chicken with tomato sauce.

Technical Information

Appellation: Colli Toscana Centrale IGT
Grapes: Pinot Nero
Vineyards: Case Via with a west exposure
Density: 4.000 vines per hectar
Training: Guyot
Fermentation: In wooden conic vats with indigenous yeasts for 2 weeks
Ageing: In Troncais barrels for 12 months
Average: 4.000 bottles

Vinification:
Giovanni Manetti has found ideal conditions for his Pinot Nero vines in a plot facing west. The grapes are pressed for two weeks with the juice's own yeast in Allier oak stalls. The wine is then matured for one year in Tronçais oak barrels. It is characterized by the character of the variety, presents itself powerfully, as otherwise only great Burgundy cans, and shows an unprecedented clarity and liveliness. On the palate, the powerful structure and the charming enamel are in perfect harmony.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Mulberry, dark plum, smoky, clay and earthy notes on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins. Juicy with a chalky texture and lively acidity. Pure and structured with a flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Try in 2023." (Jun 2021

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Pinot Nero Case Via is perfumed, racy expressive, especially on the palate, where the fruit is wonderfully alive. The 2018 was fermented in terra cotta and then aged in a combination of both amphora and oak. I find the tannins a bit edgy and battling the fruit at present. Then again, the 2018 was bottled only recently. I am less sure about the suitability of amphora for Pinot Noir than for other grapes given its inherent fragility. We will see." - Antonio Galloni (Sep 2021)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Dark cherry, blackberry, earth and oak spice aromas and flavors grace this supple red, which is bright and harmonious, with a lingering, fruity aftertaste. Drink now through 2025. 400 cases made, 75 cases imported." - BS (Oct 2021