About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Fontissimo is assembled from a selection of the estate’s best grapes. The vineyards are situated on a southeast-facing hillside at 450 metres above sea level in Panzano in Chianti. Their soil contains limestone, sand, volcanic stone, schist, and clay. Farming is certified organic, and the training system is cordone speronato. The 2016 technical sheet records a total vineyard area of 8.81 hectares.
Grapes
Blend proportions vary by vintage. Latest published vintage (2016): 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Sangiovese.
Vinification
For 2016, Merlot was harvested on 26–28 September, Sangiovese from 29 September to 5 October, and Cabernet Sauvignon on 6–7 October. Slow fermentation proceeded at 28–29°C with daily pump-overs. The skins were pressed at the end of October, and malolactic fermentation followed.
Ageing
The 2016 wine matured for 24 months in new and used 225-litre French-oak barriques.
Technical data
IGT Alta Valle della Greve. The 2016 vintage has 15% alcohol and 5.9 g/L total acidity. Production was 4,000 bottles.
Tasting profile
Dark, ripe fruit is balanced by an elegant, harmonious structure. The style is intended as a contemplative expression of the estate’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese fruit.
Serving and pairing
Pair with roasts, mature cheeses, and game.
Vintage notes
The composition has evolved over time. Fontissimo began in the 1990s as a Sangiovese–Cabernet Sauvignon blend; Merlot was introduced in 2003. The 2012 and 2013 wines comprised Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while Sangiovese returned to the blend from 2014. The 2016 season began with a very mild winter and warm spring. Wet, cold conditions in May and June gave way to a long, warm summer, with favourable day-to-night temperature variation during ripening. Harvest began in excellent conditions in late September.
Label / history
The name Fontissimo signifies the best of Le Fonti, and the wine is also known within the estate as “Papa’s Best.”
