Inventory Arrives 11/28/23

2019 Fattoria Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva

Back when I started at PRIMA, some 30 years ago, the so-called new wave of wines from Chianti Classico could be summed up in ‘Three F’s,’ Felsina, Fontodi and Fonterutoli.’  Here were three traditional properties that broke from the pack making enormous individual qualitative commitments that singularly helped give wings to the previously hidebound Chianti Classico appellation and guide the Gallo Nero through the transition from the ubiquitous straw fiasco to worldwide respect.  Now, over a quarter century later, the quality bar is much, much higher than it used to be, and Fattoria Felsina is still leading the way.  Felsina, from its home in Castelnuovo Berardenga, the southeastern most outpost of the Chianti Classico zone, has blazed one new trail after another, pioneering organic agriculture in the region and developing the market for single-vineyard offerings too.  Under the inspired guidance of Giuseppe Mazzocolin, this Sangiovese-only property has maintained a sterling reputation for outstanding terroir-driven wines that are still the envy of all, not only for quality but also value. The best way to experience the wonderful wines of Felsina is through their lovely Chianti Classico and the outstanding Berardenga Riserva, the 2019 of which has just arrived back to stock.  Sourced from both the sandy gravelly Albarese and the clay-y Galestro soils that comprise this estate of 14 separate farmhouses and vineyards, a Felsina wine is always dark, fragrant, savory and delicious.  2019 was a tremendous harvest in Tuscany and the Riserva certainly is one of the best we’ve ever tried here.  Aged for over a year in a combination of Slavonian oak casks and smaller used French oak barriques, it’s some pretty amazing Sangiovese. Endowed with an extra measure of color and, more importantly, the classic violet flower, iron-y mineral and dark earth notes typical of the region, it wowed us in a recent tasting.  Aromatic and gorgeously fresh, this middle- to full-weight Chianti could serve as a primer on the virtues of the Sangiovese grape.  Ready to go now, it’s remarkably deep, balanced and will be perfect alongside all kinds of dishes whether it be a few slices of fresh Pecorino Toscana or a classic Florentine bistecca.  It’s a super serious, food-friendly Chianti that will also reward many years of cellaring too. And another thing- we noted with interest that the Wine Spectator magazine just awarded the 2020 version of this same wine with a Wines of the Year Top 100 Selection (#22) and we can say categorically that this 2019 will dance circles around that!  Very highly recommended.
In stock.  

Wine Enthusiast: Crushed mint, woodland berry and violet aromas come to the forefront on this chiseled, savory red. All about finesse and energy, it’s vibrant and delicious, delivering juicy red cherry, ripe raspberry and baking spice alongside taut, polished tannins. Bright acidity keeps it perfectly balanced. 96 points
Jeb Dunnuck:  Aromatically more intense, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga is concentrated with candied raspberry, licorice, and menthol. This is true to the palate as well, with a core of cherry fruit, blood orange, and a lasting floral finish. It has a ripe and sunny feel, fine tannin structure, and a cleansing freshness of acidity. Although it is open and generous in its showing now, this will be worth holding onto for the next 8-10 years. 93 points
James Suckling: This has a perfumed nose of wild cherries, strawberries, sandalwood, peppercorns, cloves, rosemary and truffles. Elegant and refined, with firm, fine tannins. Long and deliciously wild, with savory spice notes. 94 points