“Meriggio” Colli Toscana Centrale IGT 2023 – Fontodi

The grapes to produce the “Meriggio” Colli Toscana Centrale IGT Fontodi were carried to the winery and carefully selected on sorting tables. After pressing using a pneumatic press, the fruit was fermented in a combination of stainless-steel vats (60%) amphora (30%) and untoasted tonnaux (10%). No malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place. The wine remained in stainless steel for six months before release to preserve the freshness and fruit purity of the wine.

The Fontodi estate comprises of 90 hectares of vineyards, all of which are found in an amphitheatre-shaped valley in the south of Panzano. This shape facilitates the full ripening of the grapes. The north-facing vineyard for `Meriggio` is called La Rota and vines here are 20 years old. The stony galestro soils allow excellent drainage and help to develop a deep root system. Vines are planted at 4,000 and 6,000 per hectare.

Fontodi winery is run by the Manetti family since 1968 but has been in Chianti for centuries. Though they have always made wine, their primary business is still the production of Chianti’s finest terracotta at their factory in Ferrone. Giovanni Manetti has run the property since 1980 and ensures the wines are as meticulously made as the vineyards are immaculately tended. Their 99 hectares of vineyard, 95% of which are Sangiovese, are situated in the prime ‘Conca d’Oro’ (golden shell) of Panzano, and have been converted to organic viticulture. Giovanni is now following biodynamic principles to obtain the best quality fruit.