Felsina Berardenga
Fèlsina is a historic Tuscan estate known for its dedication to Sangiovese and its pioneering role in the Chianti Classico region. With a commitment to tradition, terroir, and quality, Fèlsina produces wines that capture the essence of Tuscany’s rich heritage and diverse landscapes.
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.
