Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Colonia Gran Selezione is sourced exclusively from the Colonia vineyard, which holds symbolic significance for the Poggiali family. Situated at the highest elevation on Poggio a Rancia and surrounded by woodlands, the vineyard’s medium-textured soils are composed of reddish-brown alberese sandstone and calcareous marl enriched with magnesium and iron. This unique soil composition is distinct within the Fèlsina estate, lending the wine intense minerality and structure.

The vineyard’s replanting began in 1966 by Domenico Poggiali and his son Giuseppe, though rocky soils and challenging conditions delayed its completion until 1993. Colonia has been cultivated for only the finest Sangiovese, with a density of 5,435 vines per hectare. Today, the vineyard symbolizes three generations of dedication, with its first official vintage released in 2006, bearing Giovanni Poggiali’s tribute to his grandfather Domenico.

Winemaking

Colonia Gran Selezione is made with meticulous care. The hand-harvested Sangiovese grapes undergo rigorous quality selection before destemming and pressing. Fermentation and maceration take place in stainless steel for 16-20 days at controlled temperatures of 28-30°C, with scheduled punchdowns and daily pump-overs for balanced extraction.

In March or April, the wine is transferred to new French oak barrels for a maturation period of 30 months. This prolonged aging enhances the wine’s depth and complexity, integrating powerful tannins with a smooth texture. After barrel aging, the wine is bottled and ages an additional 8-12 months in glass, ensuring harmony and refinement before release.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense ruby red.
• Aroma: Spicy with earthy and mineral nuances, tobacco, and appealing wild berry notes.
• Palate: Bold, with firm tannins essential for aging. The palate reveals concentrated flavors characteristic of the Fèlsina and Poggio a Rancia terroir, marked by minerality and finesse.

Did you know?

The Colonia vineyard is a tribute to three generations of the Poggiali family and the challenges they overcame to cultivate this unique plot. Named after a sun-treatment colony that once existed here, Colonia represents Fèlsina’s resilience and dedication to preserving Chianti’s heritage. Only 3,000 bottles are produced, each bearing a special dedication by Giovanni Poggiali to his grandfather Domenico.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Wild boar stew: The rich, earthy flavors of wild boar pair seamlessly with Colonia’s structured tannins and spicy undertones.
• Aged Tuscan pecorino: The wine’s minerality and firm tannic structure balance the intensity and saltiness of pecorino cheese.
• Roasted duck with herbs: The herbal notes in roasted duck complement the wine’s spicy and berry aromas, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: The minerality of Colonia enhances the earthy, umami-rich flavors of porcini mushrooms.

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.