Expression of a border Fontalloro is the wine that best conveys the unique characteristics of a border zone, the swath which runs through Fèlsina and makes it so distinctive. One of the source vineyards is located, in fact, within Chianti Classico, the venerable Fontalloro vineyard, planted in the higher section of Fèlsina; the other two are on the other side of the border. This is not simply a politico-administrative line, for geology and landscape vary: woods and vineyards abound on one side, and grain fields on the other. There is an obvious, even if notional, link to Montalcino, in clear view from the lofty hills of Fontalloro (at 410 metres). Chianti Classico here is rocky terrain, with chalk and stones, while the Crete soils are rich in sand, silt, gravel, and marine sediments. Fontalloro is thus the marriage of the two sides, a very distinctive melding that distinguishes itself by the particular softness of its tannins. IGT Toscana: why? The line that passes through Fèlsina’s vineyards clearly defines two different denominations, Chianti Classico and DOCG Chianti Colli Senesi, each of which must apply to separate wines. Fontalloro was introduced in 1983 to showcase the characteristics of sangiovese; it was labelled Vino da Tavola since there was no approved higher denomination for a monovarietal. Thus, Fontalloro marries together in perfect harmony two different viticultural areas, expressing the absolutely unique and easily recognisable character of this wine and this land.

Review

95 Wine Spectator Rating!!Fattoria di Felsina Toscana Fontalloro 1997 Dark ruby-garnet. Aromas of blackberry, fresh porcini and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very youthful and powerful. Give it a couple of years.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009. 2,665 cases made. –JS

Rating

Dark ruby-garnet. Aromas of blackberry, fresh porcini and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very youthful and powerful. Give it a couple of years.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009. 2,665 cases made. –JS Wine Spectator 95 points (Jan 1 2007)