The Fontodi Case Via Syrah is deep, cherry red in colour, with purple/black highlights. Perfumes of cherries and fresh red fruit mingle with spicy, peppery notes. The wine is smooth and rich on the palate, with soft, rounded tannins. A good intensity, attractive structure and fine balance give the Syrah long length right to the finish. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, and the cap was punched down regularly. The wine remained in oak barrels for approximately 12 months before bottling, followed by 6 months in bottle before release. The Manetti family, owners of Fontodi, has 70 hectares of vineyards situated near Panzano. This area is known as the ‘conca d’oro’, or golden shell, because of the southern exposure of the vineyards, which results in high levels of ripeness. The climate here is relatively cool, and the vineyards are situated at a relatively high altitude (450m above sea level). The resulting wines are perfumed and elegant. Grapes for the Syrah are grown in the Case Via vineyard. Few properties in Tuscany are as immaculately tended, or produce such meticulously made wines, as Fontodi. The estate has been owned by the Manetti family since 1968, and they have worked with winemaker Franco Bernabei since 1979. A new cellar was installed for the 1998 vintage. All the fermentation tanks are equipped for pneumatic punching down of the cap and the increase in colour, extraction and flavour of the resulting wines is remarkable.
