Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico 2022

Region and Vineyards

Castelnuovo Berardenga lies at the southern edge of Chianti Classico, where warmer days meet ventilated exposures and cooling night air. Fèlsina's vineyards sit between 320-420 m on mostly southwest-facing slopes, giving generous ripeness without sacrificing freshness. The geology shifts from quartz-rich alberese limestone and alluvial pebbles higher up to strataform sandstone and loam as you approach the Crete Senesi—an interplay that yields Sangiovese with red-fruit brightness and savory mineral nuance.

This mosaic is central to the wine's identity: density around 5,400 vines/ha, Guyot and bilateral cordon training, and staggered October harvests across parcels capture micro-terroir detail. The southeastern location, on Chianti Classico's border with Colli Senesi, consistently delivers a more Mediterranean register—spice, warm earth and iron—balanced by the zone's hallmark acidity.

Winemaking

After careful selection, clusters are de-stemmed and gently crushed. Fermentation and maceration proceed in stainless steel for 12-15 days at 28-30 °C, with a cadence of punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color, aroma and finely knit tannins while retaining Sangiovese's lift.

In March-April, the new wine is racked to medium-size Slavonian oak botti; a small percentage matures in twice- and thrice-used barrels. After 12 months of élevage, lots are blended and bottled, followed by at least 3 months of bottle aging before release. The result is a transparent expression of 100% Sangiovese, where oak supports texture rather than flavor.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with medium depth and a youthful purple rim.
• Aroma: Sour cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry layered with violet, blood orange zest, bay, cedar shavings and a hint of tobacco/iron.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and energetic; crisp acidity carries red-berry purity and savory herbs over fine, chalk-tinged tannins. Finishes long with licorice, orange peel and stony minerality.

Did you know?

Fèlsina has pursued massale selection of Sangiovese since 1983, in collaboration with Franco Bernabei, preserving an in-house library of biotypes ("Sangioveto") tailored to each soil. It's a living patrimony that underpins the estate's consistency and nuance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale — High acidity and fine tannins refresh the richness of slow-cooked wild boar and echo the dish's herbal savor.
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina — The wine's structure and cherry-tinged core stand up to char and marbling, cutting through with lift.
• Porchetta with rosemary and fennel — Sangiovese's citrus-herbal snap and subtle spice complement aromatic roast pork.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano — Salty, nutty firmness mirrors the wine's savory undertow and accentuates red-fruit brightness.

History of Fèlsina Estate

Fèlsina’s roots trace back to the ancient Etruscans, who recognized the land’s agricultural potential and introduced grapevines and olive trees to the region. Nestled in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Fèlsina served as a vital stop along the Via Francigena, offering hospitality to travelers and pilgrims during the Middle Ages.

By 1966, Domenico Poggiali acquired the estate, immediately realizing the potential of its rich soils and ideal location. Together with his son Giuseppe, he expanded and modernized the vineyards, growing Fèlsina into a prestigious wine estate while preserving its local traditions and heritage.

In the late 1970s, Domenico’s son-in-law Giuseppe Mazzocolin joined the business, bringing his humanistic perspective and dedication to Tuscan culture. His collaboration with renowned oenologist Franco Bernabei launched a transformative period for Fèlsina, marked by iconic wines like Fontalloro and Rancia. This era also saw deep investment in Sangiovese, establishing Fèlsina’s reputation for quality and authenticity.

Region and Vineyards

Fèlsina is located at the southeastern edge of the Chianti Classico zone, near the Crete Senesi. Its vineyards span approximately 90 hectares out of a total 500-hectare estate, set between 350 and 420 meters above sea level. This location, where rocky-calcareous soils meet clay and mineral-rich sediment, is unique, providing varied microclimates and soil compositions that bring complexity and distinctiveness to the wines. The vineyards at Poggio a Rancia, Ruzzatoio, Terrarossa, and Santa Maria represent Fèlsina’s signature terroirs, each contributing its unique characteristics to the Sangiovese grape.

Fèlsina has pioneered massal selection in Chianti since 1983, preserving genetic diversity within Sangiovese, which is vital to the estate’s identity and quality. The estate also conducts ongoing research on soil and climate to ensure sustainable and authentic winemaking.

Wine Range

Fèlsina produces a diverse range of wines, with Sangiovese as its flagship grape. Key wines include:

• Fontalloro: A 100% Sangiovese blend sourced from vineyards straddling Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi, capturing Fèlsina’s commitment to terroir and variety.
• Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva: Made from the Rancia vineyard, this single-vineyard Sangiovese exemplifies Chianti’s potential with its structure and aging capability.
• Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva: These wines represent the heart of Fèlsina, with Sangiovese from various parcels showcasing depth, finesse, and typicity.
• Maestro Raro: A unique expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, blending tradition with experimentation, reflecting Fèlsina’s adaptability and pursuit of excellence.
• Vin Santo del Chianti Classico: Crafted from partially dried Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Sangiovese grapes, this dessert wine embodies the estate’s respect for Tuscan tradition.

Did you know?

Fèlsina’s dedication to quality extends beyond wine to olive oil production. The estate has preserved ancient olive varieties and developed unique growing areas to produce single-grove oils, including cultivars such as Leccino, Moraiolo, and Pendolino. This commitment to terroir mirrors Fèlsina’s philosophy in winemaking, highlighting its role as a comprehensive steward of Tuscan agriculture.