Wines Tuscany Fontalloro - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Fontalloro 2018 is a celebrated Tuscan red, produced under the Toscana IGT designation. Crafted exclusively from Sangiovese, this wine reflects the essence of the varietal with admirable clarity and finesse. The vineyards straddle the borders of Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi, an intersection that lends exceptional complexity and subtlety to the finished wine. Meticulous selection of grapes, combined with fermentation in stainless steel and subsequent ageing in small French barriques for around 18 to 22 months, results in Fontalloro’s structure and depth. The 2018 vintage offers concentrated aromas of ripe cherry, plum and wild berries, supported by spicy undertones, tobacco leaf, and nuanced mineral hints. On the palate, Fontalloro stands out for its velvety tannic frame, pristine fruit, and savoury length—an elegant yet powerful example of modern Tuscan winemaking.

The wider Tuscany region is renowned for its rolling hills and patchwork of mixed soils, with Fontalloro’s fruit coming from both limestone-rich and clay-rich plots. This diversity is key to its layered flavour profile. The Mediterranean climate provides hot, dry summers and significant diurnal differences, crucial for Sangiovese to attain both aromatic complexity and acidity. With roots stretching back to Etruscan times, Tuscany’s winemaking heritage is inseparable from its world-class reds, and Fontalloro embodies the region’s ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation.

When considering food pairings, Fontalloro 2018’s structure and vibrant acidity make it an excellent companion for classic Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, roasted lamb with herbs, or wild boar ragù over pappardelle. The wine’s complexity also complements harder cheeses like aged pecorino, as well as earthy lentil or mushroom-based dishes.

For optimal appreciation, decant Fontalloro 2018 for about an hour to allow its bouquet to fully unfold. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This allows the intricate aromatics and supple, integrated tannins to be enjoyed at their best. Fontalloro 2018 is drinking beautifully now, but can also reward patient cellaring over the next decade.