Fontodi Filetta di Lamole Chianti Classico

Lamole is a forgotten corner of Chianti, situated high above Panzano. A few parcels of old Sangiovese, some alberello (bushtrained) as they always were in Lamole, have survived the replanting decimation of the early 1970’s because they were so far away from the heart of Chianti. It is from these old vines, planted in the 1920’s, that Giovanni Manetti took cuttings in order to propagate his own clones and replant his vineyards at Fontodi, and it is partly from these old vines that Fontodi’s quality and intensity is derived.

Giovanni long harboured the dream of making a wine from Lamole, as he regards it as one of the most distinctive zones in Chianti. It is 620 metres above sea level, so the wines from the sandy soils are scented and elegant, their perfumes developed by the cool nights and long growing season at such an altitude. He convinced a cousin to work with him on seven hectares of vineyard at a property called Filetta. Together they restored the vineyard to health, and by 2014 were ready to pick their first grapes.

This Sangiovese has a beautiful perfume and structure, which is more than a little reminiscent of a Pinot Noir from Burgundy.