At a glance

Producer

Fontodi

Region

Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

100% Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Very high (collector's vintage, estimated $1500 - $3000 USD depending on provenance and bottle condition)

Tasting profile

Complex bouquet with leather, tobacco, dried cherry, forest floor, and mature spice notes; medium to full bodied palate with supple texture.

Evolution: Fruit has faded to dried and savory notes, with earthiness and dried herbs emerging.

At peak: Past its prime fruit expression but still offering rewarding mature complexity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, maintaining freshness and vibrancy

Tannins

Firm but integrated, softened with age, still present on the palate

Alcohol

Approximately 13.0-13.5%

Aging potential

Expected to evolve gracefully for 40+ years in total, with current drinking suitable, but some bottles closer to decline depending on storage.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2010 to 2025

Optimal window

2000 to 2030

Current status

Drink or hold with caution; some bottles may have started to decline but can still offer rewarding complexity

Current condition

The 1988 vintage from Fontodi is among the earliest releases of this renowned Super Tuscan, showing tertiary earthy, tobacco, and leather notes with developed fruit, but bottle variation is notable. Proper cellaring essential.

Fontodi’s Flaccianello is a benchmark Super Tuscan made exclusively from Sangiovese. The 1988 vintage was early in its production but from a warm year that produced balanced wines with good aging capability. Given exceptional tannic structure and natural acidity, this wine has proven longevity, though some variability exists due to vintage and cellaring conditions.

Food pairing

Game meats, roasted lamb, aged cheeses, earthy mushroom dishes, and slow-cooked Italian-style stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften residual tannins and open tertiary aromas typical of older vintage Sangiovese.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Fontodi is known for organic and biodynamic farming practices, extensive soil health programs, water conservation efforts, and solar energy use at the estate. Packaging is mostly glass with some use of recycled materials in labels and boxes.

While specific sustainability certifications for the 1988 vintage are not documented (organic certifications were less common at that time), the estate’s longstanding commitment to organic viticulture and environmental responsibility supports a strong sustainability profile overall.