100 Rare Vinous Points For Budding Tuscan - Invest In 2018 Fontodi Flaccianello Della Pieve

In Italy, the traditions of winemaking are strong. Years of experience are perhaps the reason why the best Italian wines rank among the very best in the world, and critics regularly award 100 points – but not Vinous. The world's eyes are on Italy too, and demand for the world's best wines is growing.   

Here is your chance to invest in a star Italian wine with 100 points from the Italian specialist Antonio Galloni of Vinous. But at a price that does not match the quality.     

Fontodi: A Passion For Quality

In 1968 Domiziano and Dino Manetti bought the Fontodi estate located in Chianti Classico in Tuscany. At the time, the 90-hectare estate was both abandoned and run down. However, the new owners wanted to change that, so they renovated the winemaking facilities and replanted the vineyards.   

It turned out to be a good decision, because today Fontodi has a reputation for being one of the very best producers in the region.   

Quality was no stranger to the Manetti family DNA. In fact, since the 1600s they have also been involved in the production of the world-famous terracotta tiles that are a particular hallmark of the area. Today, the Manetti family is world-famous for both tiles and wine.   

The Flagship Wine Flaccianello Della Pieve

Fontodi's wines are made from grapes grown in its own vineyards. The grapes are carefully picked by hand. The wines of Fontodi are vinified in a way that enhances the area and the specific field character. Sustainability and respect are omnipresent in Fontodi's winemaking, and perhaps this is a major reason why their flagship wines are acclaimed worldwide.   

Fontodi's flagship wine is called Flaccianello della Pieve, and it is produced on the estate's best and oldest vineyards. It has a reputation as one of the most successful Tuscan wines made from 100% Sangiovese. 

Italian For The Quality Connoisseurs

A good reputation is of course very important for success, and it certainly only gets better when a good reputation is backed up by great reviews from the world's leading wine critics. 2018 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve gets a whopping 100 points from Vinous, 98 points from Wine Advocate and 95 points from James Suckling.   

Fontodi's flagship wine lives up to its reputation, and with 100 points under its belt, it is only more sought after by the world's wine lovers while securing its legacy. And while 60,000 bottles produced annually seems like a lot, it is not nearly enough to satisfy the demand for 100-point wines.   

High Quality And Attractive Price...

The quality is undeniable. The only question is whether the price justifies the quality. Right now, according to wine-searcher.com, the average price of the 2018 Fontodi Flaccianello Pieve is €177, which is 22 % more than it is now being offered for through RareWine Invest.   

100-point wines are always interesting, and Fontodi are not the only Tuscans to boast top points. Masseto and Sassicaia dominate the Italian wine scene, and their 2016 vintage also garnered 100 points from the world's wine critics. While apples and pears are obviously not comparable, a comparison can still highlight the investment potential of this case.   

The 2016 vintage from Massetto costs €825 right now. The 2016 Sassicaia costs €340*, which is significantly less but still significantly more than the 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve.    

Ergo, the price of the 2018 Flaccianello gives more people access to drink a 100 point Italian wine, which ultimately provides a broader market to sell the wines to.   

*Latest valuation by RareWine Invest. Per bottle, excluding duty, VAT and tax in whole cases and perfect condition.   

Giving The Original Five Super Tuscans A Run For Their Money

At Vinous, they are more than familiar with Italian wines. So it is a gigantic stamp of quality that Vinous awards 100 points to the 2018 Flaccianello. Especially considering that Vinous has not awarded 100 points to any of the five original Super Tuscans (Massetto, Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellia and Solaia) in the past 15 years*.    

This is a massive validation that Fontodis Flaccianello della Pieve belongs in the absolute top. Something the price tag currently does not reflect.   

*With the exception of the 2010 Masseto at Magnum, which is actually awarded 100 points, while the 2010 Massetto at regular size is awarded 98+ points from Vinous.    

RareWine Invest's Opinion

The last time we had Fontodis Flaccianello della Pieve for investment, we argued for unfulfilled potential and a quality wine that was simply too cheap. In fact, we called Flaccianello yet another Italian shooting star.   

Those arguments still stand, of course, though this case includes another key ingredient - namely the famously rare 100 points from Vinous, from which the 2014 Monfortino also benefited. These points, of course, mean that demand is higher.   

Supply and demand are the essence of all investment. The price of this means that more can afford to be involved. It also means that available volumes are rapidly reduced. Here you have the opportunity to invest in Fontodi while the price is low and the volumes are still suitable for investment.   

We still firmly believe in the investment potential of Fontodi's Flaccioanello della Pieve, which gives the original five Super Tuscans a run for their money.