Le Fonti Panzano Chianti Classico DOCG

The young and wild member of the Le Fonti family

The Chianti Classico from Fattoria Le Fonti in Panzano in Chianti shows what Sangiovese stands for from the very first sniff and sip: The wine has a spicy aroma of the typical Chianti Classico aromas, while in the mouth it is fruity and fresh with a mixture of good acidity and spicy notes. The typical Sangiovese taste of Le Fonti's most important red wine in terms of volume is rounded off by a small admixture of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are harvested by hand at Le Fonti between the end of September and the beginning of October. The fruit is brought to the wine cellar in small baskets. Following fermentation in steel tanks, the future Chianti Classico is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. A further three to six months of bottle ageing are added - and voilá: The result is a still youthful, but drinkable and excellent food companion - with plenty of potential for ageing...

An excellent family winery in Chianti Classico

The driveway to the family winery Fattoria Le Fonti is located in the middle of the medieval village of Panzano in the Chianti Classico wine region. The winery is run by Vicky Schmitt-Vitali and her husband Guido. Just a few years ago, the two newcomers to the winegrowing world took over the winery from Vicky's father Konrad. He himself bought Le Fonti as a drop-out in 1994. Today, Vicky and Guido produce high-quality red wines at Le Fonti in the heart of Tuscany - around 30 kilometers south of Florence - which have frequently won international awards in recent years. In addition to the obligatory Chianti Classico, the Fattoria Le Fonti range also includes the Chianti Classico Riserva and, new for the 2013 vintage, a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. The wine range is complemented by the house wine, La Lepre, a refreshing Rosato and Fontissimo, a Super Tuscan made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Last but not least: the extra virgin olive oil - an absolute must-have for lovers of products of good taste.  

The Alta Valle della Greve: cool locations for cool wines

The vineyards of Le Fonti are located in the so-called "Alta Valle della Greve" - the "High Valley of the Greve", through which a small river, the Greve, meanders. Here on the other side of the "Conca d'Oro", the golden valley, the vines enjoy a special microclimate: this part of Panzano is the cooler part, which is a huge advantage for the grapes in the increasingly hot summers of recent years. The main grape variety here is also the autochthonous Sangiovese, but the two international grape varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also very important at Le Fonti in Panzano. As the winemaker couple are convinced that the roots of a good wine lie in the vineyard, these are certified organic. This is the only way to get the best quality into the glass!

Vacations in Tuscany: vineyards and wine cellars included

Tuscany vacationers, wine lovers and gourmets are always welcome at Le Fonti! When Vicky is not busy making lunch for her three children, she welcomes her visitors personally and is happy to take the time to give them a tour of the vineyards and wine cellar. The passionate winemaker not only explains the special features of Le Fonti's vineyards, but guests can also try out the visual and taste differences of the Le Fonti wines at any time during a small wine tasting. One thing is for sure: a trip to the vineyard and wine cellar is an unforgettable experience for all the senses!

In Italy, in the region Tuscany, in the region Chianti Classico, in Panzano in Chianti

Vicky Schmitt-Vitali

Marco Pierucci

8.5 ha of which 5.7 ha are classified as Chianti Classico

Galestro

Southeast

350 - 450 meters above sea level.

5,500 - 6,000 plants per ha

Cordon