The 2018 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve is a remarkable red wine hailing from the illustrious region of Tuscany, Italy. Crafted with precision and expertise by the esteemed producer Fontodi, this wine embodies the essence of Sangiovese, the varietal from which it is meticulously crafted. With an alcohol percentage of 15.0%, this wine showcases its bold and expressive nature from the very first sip.
In the glass, the Flaccianello della Pieve displays a deep and lustrous red color, a testament to its rich and concentrated character. As you raise the glass to your nose, an enticing aroma unfolds, revealing the wine's Mediterranean character. Notes of liquorice stick, bergamot, helichrysum, raspberry, and cherry dance harmoniously, creating a truly captivating olfactory experience.
On the palate, this wine showcases an extraordinary volume, surpassing expectations for the 2018 vintage. It displays a firm and youthful structure, with refined tannins and crisp acidity that add to its elegant profile. With each sip, the Flaccianello della Pieve reveals layers of complexity, showcasing its depth and finesse.
The 2018 vintage of the Flaccianello della Pieve has received high praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. Renowned publications such as Decanter, James Suckling, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Vinous, Wine Spectator, and Wine Enthusiast have all acknowledged the exceptional quality of this wine.
Decanter awarded this wine an impressive score of 96 points, describing it as a wine of "straight elegance." James Suckling awarded it 95 points, noting its solid structure and recommending a few more years of aging to fully appreciate its potential. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a remarkable score of 98 points, praising its brooding darkness, concentration, and generous blackberry and plum flavors. Vinous, in a rare feat, awarded the Flaccianello della Pieve a perfect score of 100 points, emphasizing its vibrancy, energy, and class. Wine Spectator awarded it 96 points, highlighting its ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit, harmonious structure, and lively acidity. Lastly, Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points, noting its firm structure, dried cherry, prune, and licorice flavors.
In conclusion, the 2018 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve is an exceptional wine that showcases the best of Sangiovese from Tuscany. With its captivating aromas, refined structure, and layers of complexity, this wine is a true masterpiece. It is a wine that will undoubtedly age gracefully and reward those who have the patience to let it evolve over time.