The winery was established in 1959 by Giovanni Troiani. He had previously been a sharecropper in Marche.  After visiting the lovely medieval village of San Gimignano, he decided to pack up, move to Tuscany, and buy a small property to farm. Initially, the farm was purely for the purposes of livelihood, raising livestock, growing fruit, grains, and grapes for wine. This was an area known for the production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, as well as Sangiovese.

Flash to the 1980’s and Franco Troiani, Giovanni’s son, is now enthusiastically running the property. His first initiative was to elevate the quality of the wine. Upon doing so, Fontaleoni bottled and released their first Chianti. The 90’s saw the renovation of the cellars, and the planting of new vineyards. The next big milestone occurred in 1994 when Fontaleoni bottled their first Vernaccia. This would be the variety that would bring the Troiani international attention.

Today, the estate totals 50 hectares, 30 of which are dedicated to the production of wine grapes. Most of the vineyards sit at 200 meters above sea level, in an area known for, and ideal for the production of Vernaccia. Most of the vineyards are situated in the locality of Santa Maria. The one exception is a block of 5 hectares beneath the walls of the old city in a place called Le Fonti. The soils throughout their vineyards are varied. Many are of volcanic and marine origin with tuffaceous ridges, replete with limestone. The slopes also contain clay, which alters the movement of water throughout the vineyards. All of this diversity results in excellent minerality in the wines.

In the vineyard, Fontaleoni endeavours to employ eco-friendly practices. They use no insecticides, nor any herbicides. When fertilizers are used, which is not often, they are strictly organic only. Grass cover crops are grown between the rows, and they are mowed and left to provide nutrients to the vines, and keep the vineyards balanced and healthy. Disease control treatments are only used when absolutely necessary, and all of them are only sulfur or copper based.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

This is 100% Vernaccia from 35+ year old vines, grown in vineyards between 100 and 300 meters above sea level. The grapes are hand harvested and fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged an additional 3 months in bottle prior to release. This Vernaccia shows green melon, white peach, apricots, subtle almond, with loads of floral notes, and excellent salty minerality. Drink this with seared scallops, chicken breast with herbed butter, or shrimp risotto with shrimp and garlic.

Chianti Colli Senesi

This is 95% Sangiovese and sometimes 5% Canaiolo grown in calcareous clay soils, in the cru of Colli Senesi. The vineyards have an average altitude of 180 meters above sea level, and offer southeaster exposure. The grape vines average 20 years old. Grapes are hand harvested, then the grapes are macerated for 10-15 days in stainless steel and cement vats. It is then aged in stainless steel tanks for 8 months. This is followed by an additional 6 months of bottle aging prior to release. This is a deeply red wine in colour, aromas, and on the palate. Classic notes of violets, black cherries, red plums, and hints of balsamic, are all interwoven with lively acids and minerals, slightly tempered by soft tannins.