A Magical Evening with Giovanni Manetti of Fontodi
An Unforgettable Joseph & Curtis Curated Membership Experience
There are evenings in wine that you remember.
And then there are evenings that define why you collect, cellar, travel, and gather in the first place.
Our recent Joseph & Curtis Curated Membership tasting with Giovanni Manetti of Fontodi was firmly in the latter category — a night of history, elegance, and extraordinary access.
Champagne & Oysters: Setting the Tone
Members were welcomed in true Joseph & Curtis fashion — with Krug Champagne poured alongside freshly shucked oysters.
Krug’s precision, depth, and layered complexity set the stage perfectly. It was not just a greeting — it was a statement. When you are part of J&C, the evening begins at the highest level.
An Intimate Conversation with Giovanni Manetti
Spending time with Giovanni was as powerful as tasting the wines themselves.
As President of the Chianti Classico Consortium, Giovanni has been instrumental in elevating the global perception and quality standards of Chianti Classico. His dedication to sustainable farming, lower yields, and site expression has helped transform the region into one of the most respected fine wine territories in the world.
Listening to him recount the journey — from stewarding his family estate to championing quality across the entire denomination — reminded everyone in the room that great wine is not made by accident. It is made by conviction.
The Wines: A Journey Through Time
The tasting itself was nothing short of breathtaking.
We explored:
- Chianti Classico — vibrant, structured, beautifully expressive Sangiovese
- Vigna del Sorbo — layered, powerful, and deeply elegant
- Flaccianello della Pieve — the icon
The vertical of Flaccianello della Pieve from 1988 through 2016 was truly magical.
Nearly three decades of evolution in the glass — from the ethereal, fully mature expressions of the late ’80s to the muscular, refined precision of the modern era. Each vintage told its own story of climate, philosophy, and craftsmanship.
There are very few rooms in the world where this kind of tasting happens. Our members were not just attending — they were part of it.
A Night of Choice: Fontodi or Muga
As if one legendary producer weren’t enough, members also had the option to experience an extraordinary tasting from Bodegas Muga of Rioja — another benchmark estate delivering depth, tradition, and impeccable winemaking.
To have both Fontodi and Muga under one roof, on the same evening, is the kind of access that defines what we do.
What the Joseph & Curtis Membership Truly Means
Yes, the wines were extraordinary.
But what truly defines the J&C Membership is access:
- Rare vertical tastings spanning decades
- Private conversations with world-class winemakers
- Exclusive winery visits across the globe
- Curated events designed for serious collectors and passionate food lovers
- Access to extraordinary wine lists and allocations
At $1,750 annually, the Joseph & Curtis Curated Membership is not just a value — it is an opportunity.
An opportunity to sit across from legends.
To taste history.
To be part of rooms that most only read about.
As they say… membership has its privileges.
If you are serious about wine — and serious about living well — this is your invitation.
Join us.
