Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo 2010
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is a timeless expression that embraces all the canons of great winemaking. This vineyard-designate expression (Sangiovese and a small part of Cabernet Sauvignon are planted here) boasts a delicately floral side in 2010 with dried violets and blue flower that gracefully lift the bouquet. Beyond the floral tones are shadings of cassis, wet earth, anisette and tobacco. Like the other wines of Fontodi, Vigna del Sorbo shows an ethereal side and inner elegance that is impossible to repeat elsewhere. It’s sure to develop bottle complexity over the years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.
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James Suckling
Wonderful aromas of blackberries and blueberries with hints of dried flowers. Full-bodied, tannic and structured. Juicy fruit too. Rich and rounded. This is always one of the top Chianti Classicos. Better in 2014
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Wine Enthusiast
Lush and dark, boasting black cherry, blackberry, tobacco and earth flavors. Though the texture is initially supple, firm, dense tannins take over on the finish. Needs time. Best from 2016 through 2027.
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Wine Spectator
Lush and dark, boasting black cherry, blackberry, tobacco and earth flavors. Though the texture is initially supple, firm, dense tannins take over on the finish.
Other Vintages
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Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
One of the first wine regions anywhere to be officially recognized and delimited, Chianti Classico is today what was originally defined simply as Chianti. Already identified by the early 18th century as a superior zone, the official name of Chianti was proclaimed upon the area surrounding the townships of Castellina, Radda and Gaiole, just north of Siena, by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany in an official decree in 1716.
However, by the 1930s the Italian government had appended this historic zone with additonal land in order to capitalize on the Chianti name. It wasn’t until 1996 that Chianti Classico became autonomous once again when the government granted a separate DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) to its borders. Ever since, Chianti Classico considers itself no longer a subzone of Chianti.
Many Classicos are today made of 100% Sangiovese but can include up to 20% of other approved varieties grown within the Classico borders. The best Classicos will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and be full-bodied with plenty of ripe fruit (plums, black cherry, blackberry). Also common among the best Classicos are expressive notes of cedar, dried herbs, fennel, balsamic or tobacco.