Le Fonti Panzano Rosato IGT

Rosato IGT Toscano from Le Fonti Panzano

A powerful Sangiovese-Merlot mix

Summer, sun, Rosato! Of course, you can also drink a Rosato in autumn or winter. But if you are honest, this wine is simply the best match for summer: from the strong rosé colour of the Rosato from Le Fonti to its fresh fruitiness, which simply tastes like summer. The Rosato from Le Fonti gets its very special colour and fruitiness from the so-called "saignée method": "saigner" means "bleed" in French, "saignée" means "to bleed". In other words, in this process the mash is "left to its vein" after a few hours. Without prior pressing, 10 to 20 per cent of the must is drawn off and left to ferment for two to three weeks. Then the wine matures for another two to three months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled in spring. Not to forget: the Rosato of Le Fonti is pressed from 70 per cent Sangiovese, and 30 per cent Merlot. And as always, Rosato is cold and young! Ideal as an aperitif, with starters and fish and, thanks to the good acidity of the Sangiovese grape, also excellent with Asian dishes such as curries and spicy dishes. Or just like that…

Fattoria Le Fonti: sustainable organic wines with a format

Already for more than two decades, the winegrowers of Panzano have joined forces to form the "Unione di Viticoltori di Panzano". From the very beginning, one of its goals was the biological-sustainable cultivation of the vineyards. Vicky and Guido Schmitt-Vitali, the owners of Le Fonti, are also convinced that the origin of a good wine lies in the vineyard. Today the vineyards of the couple are certified organic, and Sangiovese - the autochthonous leading variety of Chianti Classico - is growing on the biggest part. But also the two international grape varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon can be found here. And of course not to forget the 1,500 olive trees. The locations extend at the back of the Conca d’Oro over the "Alta Valle della Greve" - the Greve valley. Here the grapes can enjoy a cooler microclimate - an advantage if it gets too hot for the grapes elsewhere in summer. The two produce excellent wines: the basis of the range is formed by a typical Chianti Classico, a Chianti Classico Riserva and, since the 2013 vintage, a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. In addition, there is the internationally awarded super tuscan "Fontissimo", its little brother, the pure Merlot, the fruity fresh Rosato and the house wine "La Lepre". The fruity spicy olive oil rounds off the assortment.

A vineyard in the heart of Tuscany

Halfway between Florence and Siena, in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, lies the small village of Panzano in Chianti. The Fattoria Le Fonti is located below the village church, about 450 metres above sea level. The winery covers a total area of 15 hectares - 8.5 hectares are vineyards, the rest is planted with olive trees. With an annual production of around 40,000 bottles, Fattoria Le Fonti has remained a relatively small family winery compared to many other wineries in the area. Since 1994, when Vicky’s father Konrad bought the winery, Le Fonti has been owned by the Schmitt-Vitali family. Only a few years ago Vicky and her husband Guido took over Le Fonti. To a certain extent as a plonge in the wine career - because both had nothing much to do with winegrowing until then. But with a lot of love and lifeblood they threw themselves into the project "Le Fonti" and their commitment was rewarded with numerous international awards.