96pts Decanter

Fontodi’s brand spanking new Terrazze San Leolino Gran Selezione is a stunner. San Leolino was recognised locally as a cru site 200 years ago. The recently renewed terraces sit at 450 metres in Panzano but - unlike Fontodi’s Vigna del Sorbo, which is characterised by Galestro - the soil here is calcareous Alberese. Though recently bottled, this is forthright in its earthy, stony, mineral-like aromas. Elegant yet profound, the palate demonstrates decisive rose, red cherry and long-chained, enveloping tannins, finishing with a tangy salinity. It is still very buttoned up but has so much promise.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Leolino is expressive of its sunny site but is fresh with black raspberry liqueur, lavender, and rocky earth. It is pure and full bodied, though not heavy at all, with wonderful freshness and a chiseled structure that is long on the palate, revealing a perfume of cedar, cherry, and floral fruit on the finish. Allow it another couple of years and drink 2024-2044.

95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Here is yet another surprise from Fontodi born during the pandemic. A second new addition to the portfolio, the 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leonlino is made with organic fruit from a parcel near the little chapel of the same name in the Conca d'Oro of Panzano. The winey team had noticed a difference in quality from this 4.5-hectare site with limestone alberese soils at a cool 450 to 500 meters in elevation. The best fruit from 15-year-old vines was put aside to make this 5,000-bottle inaugural release. The celebrated Vigna del Sorbo is not too far away, but compared to the wine made from that site, Terrazze San Leonlino is sharper, more focused and offers streamlined fruit weight. The bouquet veers toward wild roses and Mediterranean herb, giving more vertical push to the aromas. The tannins are silky and polished. This new brand will grow slowly over the coming years.

95pts James Suckling

Impressive aromas of blackberries and paprika with some toffee. Full-bodied, round, soft and luscious. Hard not to drink now, but better in two or three years.

93pts Wine Spectator

A pretty red, evoking cherry, blackberry, black currant, violet and iron aromas and flavors backed by lively tannins and vivid acidity, which keep this focused and long. The balance tips slightly to the dusty tannins in the end. Best from 2026 through 2045. 400 cases made, 100 cases imported.

91pts Vinous

The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino is a new wine in the Fontodi range. Dark and imposing, the 2019 packs a serious punch in its dark fruit, earth, mineral flavors. There is plenty of impact, but less in the way of finesse. Black cherry, cloves, lavender, licorice and mocha. The 2019 spent 22 months in oak and then 4 months in cask. The San Leolino is clearly a work in progress. I find the French oak overpowering.

About the Winery

Since 1968, Fontodi has been owned by the Manetti family, who for centuries have been dedicated to another quintessential Chianti tradition: the production of its renowned terracotta. Reflecting this strong connection to the region and a passion for quality, the company has successfully focused on increasingly meticulous vineyard management and a deeper understanding of the potential of Sangiovese in the Panzano area.

Grape Varietal: 100% Sangiovese 

Organic