Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Rancia Riserva 2015

Region and Vineyards

Rancia comes from the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the southern reach of Chianti Classico where warmer days meet cooling evening breezes from the Crete Senesi. Altitudes of 400-420 m temper ripening, preserving acidity and aromatic lift. The vineyard faces southwest, capturing generous afternoon light that fosters ripe tannins without sacrificing freshness. Underfoot lies classic alberese limestone with strands of galestro marl—free-draining, pale soils that imprint a distinct ferrous-chalky edge.

The site covers about 6.25 ha, planted to Sangiovese via massal selections taken from old Rancia vines to preserve clonal diversity and the vineyard's DNA. Vines are densely planted (≈5,400 vines/ha) and trained to bilateral cordon. Hand harvesting typically begins in early October, by which time skins are thick, berries small, and flavors concentrated—ideal building blocks for an age-worthy Chianti Classico Riserva.

Winemaking

Rancia Riserva is 100% Sangiovese. After careful sorting, destemmed berries ferment in stainless steel with a 16-20-day maceration at 28-30 °C, with programmed pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color and finely grained tannins. Temperature control safeguards the variety's red-fruited purity and savory spice.

Élevage follows in new French oak barrels for 18-20 months, integrating structure and layering subtle toast, cedar, and sweet spice. The final blend rests a further 6-8 months in bottle before release, allowing tannins to knit and the limestone-derived mineral line to emerge with clarity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby edging toward garnet at the rim, excellent concentration and luminosity.
• Aroma: Black cherry and dark plum lifted by violet and blood orange; undertones of cedar, tobacco leaf, anise, and iron-tinged mineral with hints of sage and dried rose.
• Palate: Medium-to-full bodied with bright acidity and firm, chalk-textured tannins. Succulent cherry and blackberry core, accents of graphite, leather, and sweet spices; long, savory finish with balsamic and citrus peel highlights.

Did you know?

The name "Rancia" derives from a former Benedictine grancia (granary/farmhouse) that once stood on the site. The first vintage bottled as Rancia Riserva was 1983, and massal selections from those old vines still shape today's plantings—an unbroken lineage in the glass.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina - the wine's acidity and mineral spine cut through the steak's richness; tannins echo the char.
• Pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale - Sangiovese's savory herb and spice notes mirror the game and rosemary-juniper aromatics.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano - saline, nutty flavors complement the wine's cherry-balsamic depth and firm tannic frame.
• Herb-roasted lamb shoulder - rosemary, garlic, and lamb sweetness harmonize with cedar, tobacco, and ripe cherry tones.

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.