This much is certain: if it says Le Fonti on it, it's top quality

Drum roll for all Le Fonti friends and friends of Chianti Classico: The new vintages of Le Fonti have arrived! Including two new wines: In the store for the first time this year, the 2017 Rosato. And brand new in the Le Fonti range: a 100% 2015 Merlot.

The winery is located in the historic center of Panzano in Chianti - just below the small village church. The vineyards cover an area of 8.5 hectares in the Alta Valle della Greve, i.e. the valley of the river Greve, which lies on the rear side of the Conca d'Oro, the golden valley.

The two newcomers: Rosato and Merlot

But let's start with the two "novitàs" in the store: Aside from the sensational British royal baby happiness, a "baby Supertuscan", as Vicky Schmitt-Vitali, owner of Fattoria Le Fonti, affectionately calls her new red, has also recently seen the light of day. The "small" IGT in the Le Fonti range is a single-varietal Merlot from the 2015 vintage, aged in French tonneaux oak barrels. The result: a pleasantly soft red that is very, very easy to drink. People who don't usually get on well with the acidity of Sangiovese will particularly enjoy this Merlot.

Also new in the range at NinaInChianti.com: a rosato from Le Fonti! Unlike other rosatos, this one is produced using the so-called saignée method. This means that the grapes "bleed". In other words, the prolonged contact between grapes, skins and mash gives the wine a denser color and a fuller aroma. After around two to three weeks of fermentation at low temperatures, the wine matures for another three months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled. And what is actually in it? 70 percent Sangiovese, 30 percent Merlot and lots of drinking pleasure. Whether as an aperitif, with starters or with fish. And as always with Rosato: enjoy young!

The new vintages of old Le Fonti acquaintances

The 2015 vintage of Le Fonti Chianti Classico is now available in the store. As we have often mentioned, 2015 is a wonderful vintage through and through. Typical of 2015 are the beautiful spicy notes, the pleasant acidity and the lovely fruitiness - all in all a very drinkable Chianti Classico. It is made from 90 percent Sangiovese, nine percent Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon.

There is also a new vintage in the Chianti Classico Riserva range - namely the 2014 vintage. While some initially described 2014 as a difficult vintage, it is now safe to say that the doubters have all been proved wrong. Because some very beautiful Riservas have been produced. The 2014 Riserva from Le Fonti is naturally not the most powerful, but it is wonderful to drink. Fantastically drinkable with a beautiful structure - very, very recommendable. An ideal companion for the barbecue season, just right for the time of year.

The grapes for the current Fontissimo - Le Fonti's flagship wine - also come from 2014. This wine - made from 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 40 percent Merlot - is incredibly elegant, clear and fruity on the tongue and palate.

Last but not least: La Lepre IGT - the house wine in the Le Fonti range. This is the new 2016 vintage - made from 60 percent Sangiovese, 35 percent Merlot and five percent Cabernet Sauvignon. A simple, young wine from the Chianti region, as beautiful and easy to drink as a house wine should be. And by the way: a perfect accompaniment to food.

In summary, it can be said that Le Fonti's range is once again at the same high level as in recent years - perhaps even with a slight increase in quality. The wines are becoming ever more precise, compact and expressive. Or to put it briefly: drink, drink, drink!