The ancient Manetti family was celebrated initially for their local terra cotta tiles, but, in 1968, they acquired Fontodi in Panzano in Chianti and so began the groundwork for a revolutionary winery. The Fontodi estate is composed of 320 acres, 245 of which are dedicated to vineyards with a southern exposure, and the rest is covered with rolling hills, olive groves, farmland, woods, villas, and farmhouses, all set in the fertile basin of the Conca d'Oro Valley. Since 1980, Giovanni Manetti has led the property to greatness by challenging some of the antiquated rules set by the Chianti Consorzio, such as the requirement of adding Canaiolo and white varietals to a 75% Sangiovese blend. Giovanni's Chianti Classico, Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione, and their proprietary Flaccianello della Pieve from the Pecille sub-zone of Panzano are all 100% Sangiovese. Fontodi also produces exquisite olive oil and Vin Santo, both worth seeking out.
