Flaccianello IGT - Fontodi

The Flaccianello IGT from Fontodi is a pure-varietal Sangiovese from Tuscany with a deep ruby-red color and a dense, almost velvety appearance in the glass. Already at the first swirl, intense notes of blackberry and black cherry rise up, accompanied by fine tobacco and delicate cedarwood. These aromas appear clear, precise, yet seductively complex. On the palate, the wine shows a dry, powerful profile with ripe tannins that feel soft and carry the long finish. The fruit remains ever-present and is complemented by fine spicy notes and a hint of dark chocolate, creating a harmonious yet exciting taste experience.

The fruit aromas of this red wine are multi-faceted and open up step by step in the glass. Dark berries such as blackberry and black cherry form the foundation. This is joined by a subtle note of juicy plum, which gives the wine richness and depth. The dark fruit appears concentrated but not heavy, instead clearly structured and fresh. With some air, hints of cassis, dried cherries and a touch of forest fruits emerge, enhancing the impression of density and elegance. Thus the wine appears both powerful and delicate, ideal for lovers of characterful Tuscan wines.

The spicy notes are a central element of Flaccianello IGT - Fontodi. Fine tobacco provides a smoky yet elegant component that blends gently with the dark fruit aromas. Delicate cedarwood evokes high-quality barriques and lends the wine a noble, almost stimulating fragrance reminiscent of cigar boxes and fine wooden caskets. With some bottle age, notes of leather, licorice and dried herbs emerge, emphasizing the complex character. This spiciness complements the fruit without overshadowing it and creates a deep, multi-layered overall aromatic impression.

On the palate, the wine shows a dry, clearly contoured structure with a robust body and great density. The ripe tannins are present but finely polished, creating a velvety mouthfeel. The acidity is lively and lends freshness that integrates the high alcohol in a harmonious way. Thus, despite its power, the wine comes across as balanced and precise. The dark fruit persists into the finish, accompanied by subtle spice, some cocoa and a hint of espresso. The aftertaste is very long, with lingering notes of black cherry, blackberry and delicate wood.

The aromatic profile can be divided into three core areas that clearly describe the character of this red wine:

1. Dense dark fruit with blackberry, black cherry, plum and cassis for an intense, juicy flavor profile.
2. Elegant spice with tobacco, cedarwood, licorice and dried herbs for depth and complexity.
3. Long, dry finish with ripe tannins, cocoa, espresso and fine wood notes for a harmonious and lasting finale.

The interplay of these components makes Flaccianello IGT - Fontodi a highly expressive, characterful Tuscan red wine with great aging potential. Its profile is clearly shaped by the Sangiovese grape in pure form, which can fully unfold its elegance and structure here.

Vinification of Flaccianello IGT from Fontodi

The grapes for Flaccianello IGT - Fontodi come from selected sites in the heart of Tuscany. There the vines grow on calcareous and clay-rich soils that lend the wine its distinctive structure and depth. The Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights allows the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. This results in ripe berries with high aromatic concentration and fine acidity.

In the vineyard, yields are consistently limited. Only the best, ripe grapes remain on the vines. Through selective pruning and canopy management, the grapes receive optimal sunlight and ventilation. This promotes freshness, concentration and aromatic clarity. Harvesting is usually done by hand in several passes so that only perfectly ripe grapes make it to the cellar. A first selection already takes place in the vineyard, followed by strict control on the sorting table.

In the cellar, the must is handled gently in order to preserve the fruit and the fine tannins of the Sangiovese grapes. After destemming, the berries are gently crushed. Fermentation takes place with temperature control in stainless steel tanks or cement vats to achieve precise management of extraction. During maceration, the cap of skins that rises to the surface is regularly punched down or pumped over. In this way, color, tannin and aromas are extracted gently yet completely.

After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation follows, usually in wooden casks. It rounds off the acidity and gives the wine more richness and creaminess on the palate. The subsequent maturation takes place over many months in high-quality oak barrels. French barriques or tonneaux are often used, partly new, partly used. The cedar and tobacco profile on the nose points to the use of these fine barrels, which give the wine structure and depth without covering the fruit.

During barrel aging, the wine clarifies naturally. Regular checks ensure that wood, fruit and tannin come into a balanced relationship. After maturation, the wine rests further in the bottle before being released to the market. This additional bottle aging makes the tannins even finer and allows the aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco and cedarwood to merge harmoniously. Thus, Flaccianello IGT - Fontodi is already powerful yet polished at the time of sale, with great potential for further aging.

Food recommendations for Flaccianello IGT from Fontodi

Flaccianello IGT - Fontodi is an ideal companion to intensely flavored dishes of Italian cuisine and fine meat courses. Its dense fruit, subtle spice and ripe tannins harmonize particularly well with robust, hearty flavors and intense sauces. The dry style and long finish make it a perfect wine for festive menus and long evenings of enjoyment.

• Braised leg of lamb with rosemary, garlic and roast potatoes
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina from beef with coarse sea salt and grilled vegetables
• Pasta with game ragout, such as pappardelle with venison or wild boar sauce
• Mature Pecorino Toscano, Parmesan and other hard cheeses with nutty aromas
• Truffle risotto with dark meat jus and grated hard cheese
• Braised ox cheeks with polenta and root vegetables
• Melanzane alla Parmigiana as a vegetarian, intensely flavored option

With these dishes, Flaccianello IGT - Fontodi reveals its full strength. The dark fruit and spicy notes of tobacco and cedarwood pair perfectly with roasted aromas and braised dishes. The result is a rounded, intense experience that impressively highlights the character of this Tuscan red wine.

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