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Fontodi: Making DOCG and IGT from the same variety
This producer is located in Panzano in Chianti. They make Chianti Classico from 100% Sangiovese and also produce Flaccianello della Pieve, selected from particular vineyards.
Verify the grape varieties, grape selection, and maturation for both wines. Check what distinguishes the producer's approach beyond the DOCG and IGT designations alone.
Questions for this course
Does IGT Flaccianello contain Cabernet?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
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Italy / Tuscany / Panzano
Update date: 2026-09-24
Both wines are 100% Sangiovese.
Both Chianti Classico and Flaccianello are officially described as 100% Sangiovese. The latter is labeled Colli Toscana Centrale IGT. If you assume IGT always means a blend with international varieties, you could misread the actual composition.
The scope for selecting the raw material
Chianti Classico is described as using grapes from multiple vineyards within an estate, while Flaccianello is made from selected top plots. The documents do not limit the latter to a single fixed parcel. Even with two bottles of the same variety, knowing which vineyards the fruit was chosen from helps compare them.
Common features of the fermentation stage.
Both products state that indigenous yeasts are used and that fermentation and skin maceration in stainless steel tanks last at least three weeks. Even if grape selection differs, the process description shares common points. This period is counted separately from barrel maturation.
Maturation period and barrel information
In French oak small and large casks, Chianti Classico is aged for at least 18 months, Flaccianello for 24 months. The referenced product page does not state the proportion of new barrels. Do not substitute long periods with a high proportion of new oak: record duration and vessel type separately.
What to align and what to compare.
Raw material
- Conditions to standardize
- 100% Sangiovese
- Conditions for comparison.
- Explanation of owned vineyards and selections
- Additional points to confirm
- Do not treat IGT as synonymous with international varieties.
Fermentation
- Conditions to standardize
- Stainless steel, indigenous yeast
- Conditions for comparison.
- Actual batch conditions
- Additional points to confirm
- Distinguish between maceration and barrel aging
Aging
- Conditions to standardize
- French oak small casks and large barrels
- Conditions for comparison.
- Minimum 18 months and 24 months
- Additional points to confirm
- Do not supplement the proportion of new barrels if not recorded
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Reading Fontodi data: Making DOCG and IGT from the same variety
Verify the subjects of the ingredients, processes, and sources, and confirm the conditions for comparison.
The numbers are based on technical data for the indicated year, or the product description at the time of confirmation. Where no year is specified, the description does not guarantee the specifications for all years or all shipments.
| Comparison items | Chianti Classico | Flaccianello |
|---|---|---|
| Grapes | 100% Sangiovese | 100% Sangiovese |
| Labeling | Chianti Classico DOCG | Colli Toscana Centrale IGT |
| Fermentation / Maceration | Stainless steel, at least 3 weeks | Stainless steel, at least 3 weeks |
| Maturation in wood barrels. | French oak, minimum 18 months | French oak, 24 months |
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Read the explanation for each question
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What is the grape variety for Flaccianello?
The official explanation is 100% Sangiovese. IGT is a category of regional designation, not a requirement to include international varieties. Always check the blend from product materials.
What is the description of fermentation common to both wines?
Both pages mention stainless steel and indigenous yeasts, and require at least three weeks for fermentation and maceration. Wooden barrels are listed under maturation, so do not reorder the steps.
What cannot be determined from the referenced product page alone?
Aging period and use of French oak are described, but the proportion of new barrels is not stated. You cannot add figures based on the impression of long aging or higher cuvée.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Compare the raw materials and processes in the official documents and explain the insights you can derive from the comparison.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Chianti Classico | Flaccianello |
|---|---|---|
| Grapes | 100% Sangiovese | 100% Sangiovese |
| Labeling | Chianti Classico DOCG | Colli Toscana Centrale IGT |
| Fermentation / Maceration | Stainless steel, at least 3 weeks | Stainless steel, at least 3 weeks |
| Maturation in wood barrels. | French oak, minimum 18 months | French oak, 24 months |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
List two similarities and two differences between the two wines, and explain why you cannot deduce the grape varieties from the IGT indication.
Check after writing
- Did it specify the variety at 100%?
- Did you distinguish between selection and aging?
- Are you fabricating the new oak ratio?
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