2018 Fèlsina Vin Santo del Chianti Classico
The process is a painstaking labor of love. A blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes are hand-harvested and then hung
Producer
Fèlsina
I have reviewed 12 wines from Fèlsina, from the 2017 to 2023 vintages, across Chianti Classico, Toscana, Vin Santo and others. Most are Sangiovese. Scores range from 93 to 98, averaging 96; the highest is the 2020 Fèlsina Fontalloro Toscana (98 points). Fèlsina also features in one journal article on this site.
Fèlsina is the guardian of the southern border of Chianti Classico. Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, where the rocky Chianti hills meet the lunar landscape of the Crete Senesi, the estate produces Sangiovese of power and warmth. Under the Poggiali family it has kept its top Sangiovese wines free of international blending partners, and it represents the wilder, more intense side of the appellation.
Rancia is the icon: a historic, high-altitude vineyard once home to a medieval Benedictine monastery, on limestone-rich alberese and galestro, released as Riserva and, from 2021, as Gran Selezione. Fontalloro is the benchmark for 100% Sangiovese, straddling the border between Chianti Classico and the Colli Senesi, savory and uncompromising rather than polished. Maestro Raro, first made in 1987, is Cabernet Sauvignon with a Chianti Classico soul, and the Vin Santo, from dried Trebbiano and Malvasia aged for years in small caratelli, is one of Tuscany’s great sweet wines.
The core of the range is just as convincing. The Berardenga Chianti Classico and the Riserva, aged in large Slavonian casks, speak more of the soil than the cellar, and the Chianti Colli Senesi, from vineyards just outside the Classico border, is one of the best values in Tuscany. Even in a hot, solar year like 2022, Fèlsina kept its nerve: crushed alberese rock, dried tobacco and tart black cherry rather than jam. For me it is one of the true reference estates of Chianti Classico.
Wine Reviews for Fèlsina
2022 Fèlsina Chianti Classico Riserva
Fèlsina is the undisputed king of Castelnuovo Berardenga, and in a deeply warm, solar vintage like 2022, they are one
2021 Fèlsina Fontalloro Toscana
Fontalloro is the absolute benchmark for 100% Sangiovese straddling the border of Chianti Classico and the Colli Senesi. In a
2017 Fèlsina Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (375ml)
The process is a painstaking labor of love. A blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes are hand-harvested and then hung
2017 Fèlsina Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (375ml) Read Post »
2021 Fèlsina “Maestro Raro” Toscana IGT Cabernet Sauvignon
This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but it is a world away from the opulent style of Bolgheri. This is Cabernet
2021 Fèlsina “Maestro Raro” Toscana IGT Cabernet Sauvignon Read Post »
2021 Fèlsina “Rancia” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
This is one of Tuscany’s most iconic single-vineyard wines, a true “Grand Cru” of Chianti Classico, and in a vintage
2021 Fèlsina “Rancia” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Read Post »
2021 Fèlsina Chianti Classico Riserva
The 2021 Fèlsina Chianti Classico Riserva is a powerful and profoundly traditional expression of Sangiovese from a vintage that is
2022 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico
The 2022 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico is the quintessential benchmark for the appellation. Hailing from the southern, warmer zone of
2023 Fèlsina Chianti Colli Senesi
The 2023 Fèlsina Chianti Colli Senesi is, without a doubt, one of the greatest values in all of Tuscany. When
Exploring Tuscany Through Its Iconic Wines: Tradition, Terroir, and Innovation
Tuscany is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and deep viticultural roots. Home to famous wines like Vernaccia, Chianti, and Brunello, the region boasts unique micro-climates that enhance diverse grape varietals. Notable producers include Montenidoli, Il Monticello, and Fèlsina, each contributing to Tuscany’s prestigious wine legacy.
Exploring Tuscany Through Its Iconic Wines: Tradition, Terroir, and Innovation Read Post »