Cellar Favorite: 2016 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | JULY 6, 2026

At ten years of age, the 2016 Flaccianello della Pieve is every bit as captivating as it has always been. A rich, seamless wine, Flaccianello captures all the natural intensity that is so typical of the Panzano’s Conca d’Oro, one of the most unique districts in Chianti Classico. Dark-hued Sangiovese fruit, lavender, mocha, baking spice and tobacco race across the palate with stunning persistence. Perfectly ripe tannins frame it all in grand style.

As a reminder, Flaccianello is a blend from various sites across the Conca d’Oro rather than a single-vineyard wine. The 2016 spent 18 months in French oak barrels (75-80% new) followed by six months in cask. This is the first vintage in which a small amount (2%) of the wine was aged in amphora. Tasted within the context of today’s wines, the 2016 offers a bit more textural richness and volume, as was common during this era. The 2016 is just starting to show the first signs of aromatic development. I expect it will continue to offer thrilling drinking for the next 15-20 years or so. What a stunner. It is a superb effort from the Manetti family and longtime consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei, who passed away just a few days after this tasting. 100/2026-2041.

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