Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro 2018

Region and Vineyards

Fontalloro draws from vineyards straddling the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi zones, each contributing distinctive qualities. At 330-407 m above sea level, the Castelnuovo Berardenga plots in Chianti Classico rest on rocky, calcareous soils with sandstone veins, lending finesse, freshness, and linear minerality.

By contrast, the lower-elevation Colli Senesi parcels contain sand, loam, silt, and marine deposits, imbuing the fruit with density, ripeness, and broader shoulders. Exposure is predominantly southwest, ensuring abundant sunlight while evening breezes preserve aromatic lift. Vines, planted in 1979 and 2004, now range from 15 to 40 years of age, with a density of about 5,400 plants per hectare. Farmed organically and trained on espalier, they form the foundation of this long-lived and expressive Sangiovese.

Winemaking

Fontalloro is crafted from 100% Sangiovese. After meticulous sorting, fermentation takes place in stainless steel with selected yeasts, at 28-30 °C, lasting 16-20 days. Extraction is guided through automatic punchdowns and pumpovers, ensuring richness while preserving refinement.

Malolactic fermentation follows, and the wine matures in 225 L French oak barriques (new) for 18-22 months. Bottling occurs in October, followed by an additional 8-12 months in bottle before release. This élevage polishes the tannins, layering cedar and spice over fruit while retaining purity of terroir. Final alcohol is 14%, with an aging potential of up to 20 years.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense, rich ruby red with vibrancy and depth.
• Aroma: Tobacco, black currant, blackberry, licorice, and hints of wet earth, intertwined with subtle spice and savory undertones.
• Palate: Smooth yet firm tannins, excellent structure and typicity; dark berry core lifted by earthy-mineral accents; balanced, persistent, and elegant through a long finish.

Did you know?

Fontalloro was first released in 1983 and has since become one of Tuscany's reference-point Super Tuscans. The wine showcases Fèlsina's massal selection of Sangiovese, considered one of the most emblematic expressions of the grape in Italy.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye steak - the wine's tannins and acidity balance the richness of marbled beef.
• Wild boar ragù with pappardelle - echoes the gamey depth and herbal notes in the wine.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano - its saltiness and nuttiness enhance the wine's dark fruit and earthy character.
• Roast venison with juniper and rosemary - the savory, spiced notes harmonize with Fontalloro's tobacco and licorice 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.