About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Fontalloro expresses Sangiovese from vineyards spanning the boundary between Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi. The higher Chianti Classico sites and lower Colli Senesi vineyards range from 407 to 330 metres above sea level and face predominantly south-west. On the Chianti Classico side, the soils are stony, calcareous and clay-rich; toward the Crete Senesi they contain sand, silt, small pebbles and marine sediments. The designated growing areas are Poggio al Sole and Arcidossino.
Vineyard density is approximately 5,400 vines per hectare. The vines are vertically trellised and trained to a bilateral spurred cordon. Research begun among the estate's 1980s vineyard selections identified suitable mother vines for grafting and replanting undertaken in the early 2000s.
Grapes
100% Sangiovese.
Vinification
Harvesting is carried out by hand in two phases, selecting the finest grapes. After destemming and crushing, fermentation and maceration take place in stainless-steel tanks for 16–20 days at 28–30°C, with programmed punch-downs and daily pump-overs.
Ageing
In March or April, the new wine is transferred to new and first-use French-oak barriques. After 18–22 months, the final blend is assembled and bottled, followed by at least 8–12 months of bottle maturation before release.
Tasting profile
The colour is an intense, richly toned ruby red. The complex bouquet combines aromatic herbs, tobacco and both damp and dry earth with blackcurrant, blackberry and liquorice. The palate is substantial and structured, with moderately supple yet persistent tannins and an elegant, characterful finish. The best vintages have excellent longevity.
Label / history
First produced in 1983, Fontalloro represents Fèlsina's broad interpretation of Sangiovese across the estate's contrasting zones.
