2021 Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino

98 pts
A new entrant into the upper echelon of the Fontodi single vineyard releases. One not to miss.

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Sale price$219.00
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Description

Born during the pandemic, Terrazze San Leolino is the newest jewel in the Fontodi range and already being spoken of as a future flagship. It comes from a 4.5-hectare site near the tiny chapel of San Leolino, high in Panzano’s famed Conca d’Oro. At 450–500 metres, with limestone alberese soils and organically farmed vines, this is a cool, stony site that produces fruit of striking clarity and precision.

The inaugural vintage in 2020 hinted at the potential, but the 2021 is the real deal. Critics have lined up with rave reviews: Antonio Galloni (Vinous) calls it “a Gran Selezione of stunning elegance, complexity and finesse” (98 points), while Monica Larner (Wine Advocate) praises its depth, richness and balance, with drinking stretching comfortably into the 2040s (96+ points). James Suckling adds that it’s “wonderfully crafted, with very finely textured, silky tannins… very attractive now, but much better in two or three years” (96 points).

In the glass, it’s all red cherry, spice and crushed rock, with vibrant acidity keeping the plush fruit in check. It has the pedigree to cellar for decades, but also a luminous, finely etched beauty that makes it compelling even young.

Only 5,000 bottles were made of this inaugural certified-organic release. For those who love Sangiovese in its most elegant, high-altitude guise, this is a wine to secure early.

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino is another highlight in this range from Fontodi. It's a huge step up from the 2020... The 2021 suggests it could be one of the new flagships here."
- Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

98 points - "The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino is another highlight in this range from Fontodi. It's a huge step up from the 2020. Red cherry, iron, spice, leather, licorice, crushed rocks and herbs make a strong first impression. Bright acids, the result of elevation and a year with wide diurnal swings, yielded a Gran Selezione of stunning elegance, complexity and finesse. The 2021 spent 14-15 months in barrique (25% new) followed by 7-8 months in cask. The San Leolino is one of the newer wines in the Fontodi range. The 2021 suggests it could be one of the new flagships here. Drink 2024-2036" - Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

96 points - "Now showing the Panzano UGA on the front label, the Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Terrazze San Leonlino (made with certified organic fruit) is a delightful wine and a relatively new addition to a portfolio that excels in a classic vintage such as 2021. Taking full advantage of new regulations that give identity to appellation subzones (or UGAs), the wine exudes the depth, richness and sunshine that Panzano fruit is known for. The bouquet is stitched together with generous black fruit, pencil shaving and light spice, but the wine ultimately stands apart for its threefold balance of fruit versus acidity versus oak spice. Drink 2025-2046" - Monica Larner (The Wine Advocate)

96 points - "This is a wonderfully crafted Chianti Classico with very finely textured, silky tannins, bright fruit and crisp acidity. It’s medium-bodied and goes on for minutes at the end. From organically grown grapes. Very attractive now, but much better in two or three years and beyond." - James Suckling (James Suckling)

17 points - "17.5/20 Panzano. Certified organic (QC). Deep youthful ruby. Deep, yet brooding on the nose with dark-spice and pure cherry and raspberry notes. Still embryonic with chewy tannins framing the compact sour-cherry fruit. Lush, wired acidity and long-lasting tannins perfectly in tune with the fruit on the finish. (WS) Drink 2026-2036" - Jancis Robinson (Jancis Robinson)

Fontodi is a certified organic estate which extends over 130 hectares, of which about 70 are planted with vines. The type of agriculture practised is inspired by the principles of respect of nature and sustainability. Not only are no chemical products used but there is an effort to maximise the internal resources of the estate, thereby reducing the need for any external input.

Price Bracket $101 and Above
Type Red
Body Full Bodied
Variety Sangiovese
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Feature High Score
Organic
Reviewed By Vinous
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson
The Wine Advocate
Critic Score 98
Size 750ml
Vintage 2021
Closure Cork

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