Fontodi Chianti Classico Wine Dinner at Planet of the Grapes

Bow Lane, London. Tuesday 06-March-2018

Sometime you go to a wine tasting event and lose your notes. That happened twice to me this week; this is the first. So all I am left with is a hazy recollection of a splendid meal present by the suave Signore Manetti himself, all Italian charm and a fund of stories about the estate and his family. Much more interesting than what you read on the back label.

Update 25-April-2018: found my tasting notes. C=colour,  A=aroma, P=Palate. Not worth transcribing. They are really only memory joggers for me and this long after the event not of much use. I would only highlight the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione ‘Vigna del Sorbo’ 2014 as the wine of the evening for me. It also does show the prices these wines can command.

Below is the blurb provided by POTG and the menu.

2018 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the year that the Manetti family purchased the derelict estate in Panzano's Conca d'Oro (or golden shell); a natural amphitheater in the heart of Chianti's original 'Classico' zone. In that time Fontodi has risen to become one of the undisputed stars of the region, and Fontodi's wines are considered benchmarks for all of Tuscany.

Fontodi's owner; the legendary Giovanni Manetti, will be at Planet of the Grapes Bow Lane to talk us through the history and philosophy of his estate, and to guide us through a stunning line-up of his wines; including two vintages of his flagship Flaccianello.

MENU

On Arrival

Crispy Clams & Arancini with lemon & chilli

With

‘Meriggio’ Sauvignon Blanc 2016

1st Course

Pasta fresca, porcini & tartufo nero

with

Chianti Classico 2014

Chianti Classico ‘Filetta di Lamole’ 2014

2nd Course

Rabbit, fennel salami, lentils & caramelised carrot

with

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione ‘Vigna del Sorbo’ 2014

3rd Course

Char grilled sirloin ‘Fiorentina’, rosemary potatoes & greens

with

‘Flaccianello della Pieve’ 2013 (from magnum)

'Flaccianello della Pieve’ 2014

Dessert Course

Stef’s world famous Paris Brest

with

Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2007

Now that is what I called a meal - fantastic food and matching wines. Hic!