Jay Kline

9.4

This is my 3000th tasting note on Delectable so I suppose I should celebrate by opening something fun. Flaccianello? Ovviamente!

While it’s labeled an IGT and colloquially considered a Super Tuscan, Flaccianello delle Pieve could legally be labeled as a Chianti Classico Riserva. However, Giovanni Manetti of Azienda Agricola Fontodi opts not to do so (despite the fact that he’s the current Chairman of the Conzorsio). The name, “Flaccianello delle Pieve” comes from the eponymous single-vineyard; the original source of grapes. However, around the turn of the millennium, Flaccianello became a blend of Fontodi’s best fruit throughout the estate. Over all the years, despite the changes in fruit source and aging regimen, Flaccianello remains 100% Sangiovese and 100% Panzano in Chianti.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2011 pours a deep, translucent garnet with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried Morello cherry, raspberries, red flowers, leather, mushrooms, cigar box, menthol, organic earth and wonderful fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, delicious and warming as the alcohol is pretty elevated. But whoa…what a beauty.

Okay, yeah…this is a modern take on Chianti Classico but my goodness, this is undeniably delicious and unabashedly Italian. Back in 2011, Flaccianello was aged in a combination of barriques from Troncais and Allier, all 100% new; an era that was arguably the most modern for this wine. Over the last 10 or so years however, there has been a shift towards less time in new barrique and large casks have now been introduced for the last six months of cellar aging. While I look forward to trying some of these more contemporary examples, I am very impressed with this 2011 and expect it will continue to show well through 2035. — 2 months ago

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9.2

Very cleanly made Chianti with an enjoyable freshness to the bright red cherry and bitter fruit pit flavors. Wished for a little more aromatically, but that’s a small complaint. This is quite tasty on its own and with food. — 7 years ago

Kaitlin Zappaterrini

9.0

Smooth Italian Chianti Classico paired beautifully with lasagna alla bolegnese and chicken parmigiana — 7 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Had this over a year ago, still tasting great. Located in the heart of Chianti Classico in the valley which lies south of the town of Panzano, called the "Conca d’Oro" (the golden shell) because of its amphitheatre shape. Aged for 12 months in oak, big ripe berry aromas & spicy notes. On the palate dark berry flavors, some sweet currants, cacao and oak. Well balanced with soft smooth tannins, lingering ending with smoky tones. Nice! Grab a bottle if you find one! — 5 years ago

Michal Sulkowski

9.1

A cab from the land of Chianti. At 10 years old the mineral flavors rule the roost with few tannins left over. Probably the perfect time to drink it. — 6 years ago

P A

8.9

A wonderful DOC Sauvignon Blanc that you would not expect from the heart of Classico Chianti appellate. It's "old world" bouquet of redolent flowers, gentle passion fruit and a touch of earth make it distinct from what you would experience in a "new world" Sauvignon Blanc. It's creamy taste, hints of vanilla and fresh acidity reflects it's time in both oak and stainless steel. Visualize yourself being at a Tuscany villa looking out at the vineyard eating a light Italian meal on a warm day and you will taste this wine. Cheers — 8 years ago

Gregory Fulchiero

9.4

Beautiful development from this Greve gem in Chianti. Mushroom soil, stewed cherry, and oregano. — 2 years ago

Mike Bledsoe

9.3

Very nice Chianti — 4 years ago

TJ Monico

9.0

One of the best out of this small batch vineyard in Chianti. Fresh fruit, smooth tongue and finish, sharp Sangiovese grape in the middle — 6 years ago

Thomas McKee

8.9

Smooth, medium bodied and cherry flavours with a light tannic finish. Paired well with my world famous beef stroganoff. — 7 years ago