Le Fonti
di Vicky Schmitt-Vitali
Family business in Chianti Classico
Halfway between Florence and Siena, in the heart of Chianti Classico, lies the village of Panzano. A few years ago Vicky Schmitt-Vitali and her husband Guido took over the winery Fattoria Le Fonti from her father Konrad. And the Fattoria has remained a real family business until today.
"Cool" wines
Typical red wines for the Chianti Classico region have been produced here since 1994: The Chianti Classico and the Chianti Classico Riserva form the basis of the assortment. In 2013 was added to the portfolio for a first time a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione - made from 100 per cent Sangiovese grapes. The Fontissimo, which contains mainly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, is the super tuscan from the cellar of Le Fonti. The range is completed by "La Lepre", the house wine, a refreshing Rosato and an extra virgin olive oil.
In Panzano in Chianti
The small road leading to the Fattoria Le Fonti winery starts in the historic center of Panzano in Chianti - just below the church. The vineyard extends over an area of 15 hectares - 8.5 hectares of which are vineyards and the rest are planted with olive trees. The sites themselves are located on the other side of the Conca d'Oro, in the Alta Valle della Greve, in the valley of the river Greve, approximately 450 meters above sea level.
Cool area
This part of Panzano is rather cooler, but this is especially advantageous in the years with warm and dry summers. Because too much sun can also be detrimental to the quality of the grapes and thus to the wine. In 1994 started Vicky's father Konrad to replant all the vines that can be found today in the vineyards of Le Fonti. The leading variety is of course the Sangiovese, but there are also Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon at Le Fonti.
Awarded
Thanks to the many international awards for the red wines of Le Fonti it is not possible to believe that Vicky and her husband Guido were actually career changers as winegrowers. Vicky has her roots in Germany, Guido comes from Tuscany. Both have lived for some time in London, where they have pursued completely different professions. And today Fattoria Le Fonti - not far from Greve in Chianti - is one of the top wineries in Tuscany.
Organic
The couple's main focus is on sustainability and the careful use of resources not only as parents of three children. Both the vines and the more than 1,500 olive trees are organically cultivated and the gentle processing of these products is a top priority. Because Vicky and Guido are convinced that the roots of a good wine lie in the vineyard.
Welcome
Visitors are very welcome at the winery as many Le Fonti signs in and around Panzano clearly show it! Guests can come here at any time to enjoy a tour in the vineyards and in the wine cellar. Vicky Schmitt-Vitali takes his time to explain the particularities of Le Fonti's vineyards, explains the different grape varieties grown at Le Fonti and of course invites visitors to a wine tasting in the picturesque cellar. An unforgettable taste experience!
