Viniou Reviews
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve from Fontodi is a remarkable red wine born from the Colli Romagna Centrale DOC in Emilia-Romagna. While the iconic Flaccianello is more widely associated with Tuscany, this reflects Fontodi’s innovative approach in a neighbouring region. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, the 2019 vintage benefited from a sun-drenched growing season, yielding grapes of excellent ripeness and intensity. The wine underwent traditional vinification with meticulous temperature control during fermentation, followed by aging in French oak barrels that lends harmony, supple tannins, and fine aromatic complexity to the final cuvée.
Emilia-Romagna is one of Italy’s gastronomic heartlands, boasting a diverse viticultural identity. The Colli Romagna Centrale DOC stretches across gently undulating hills, where vineyards enjoy a favourable microclimate influenced by both the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. Soils range from clay to limestone, imparting structure and minerality to the wines. While Emilia-Romagna is famed for Lambrusco, the region has a strong tradition with Sangiovese, producing structured reds of impressive ageing potential. The area’s winemaking history stretches back centuries, merging tradition with a modern spirit of experimentation.
This robust, elegant wine calls for equally refined food pairings. Its firm structure, fresh acidity, and dark cherry fruitiness are a wonderful match for classic Emilia-Romagna dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù or roast lamb with rosemary. Rich stews—think osso buco or braised beef—will beautifully complement its earthy, savoury notes. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano are a perfect regional pairing, while grilled game or wild mushroom risotto will highlight the wine's finesse.
For optimum enjoyment, decant the Flaccianello della Pieve 2019 for at least one hour before serving to allow its bouquet to unfurl. Serve at 16-18°C to fully appreciate its depth, balance and velvety texture. This wine will continue to evolve beautifully over the next decade.
