| Foundation Date | 1966 |
| Hectares of Vineyards | 72 |
Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Fèlsina is one of the most historic and iconic wineries in Chianti Classico. Among the wines produced, notable labels include ‘Fontalloro’, ‘Rancia’, ‘Colonia’, and ‘Mastro Raro’.
History and Philosophy of Fèlsina
Fèlsina was the name given to the city of Bologna in ancient times, as noted by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia. Fèlsina is an Etruscan name, and Castelnuovo Berardenga, where the estate is located, likely hosted an Etruscan colony in ancient times.
One thing is certain: Fèlsina has been producing wines of exceptional quality for over half a century and has become not only a reference point for winemaking but also a historical landmark for over 60 years.
The 1970 and 1971 vintages debuted with bottles of indisputable excellence, thanks to a label meticulously designed by artist Silvio Coppola. The bottles represented a kind of avant-garde, demonstrating the awareness that wine packaging and presentation were essential in creating the property’s image.
However, the wines themselves were, and remain, the core of the story. After some initial struggles, Fèlsina emerged as a reliable producer of some of the finest wines in Chianti Classico, and the arrival of winemaker Franco Bernabei in the 1980s played a crucial role in establishing the high status the winery enjoys today.
Currently, Fèlsina boasts 72 hectares of vineyards, producing approximately 565,000 bottles of wine annually.
Terroir of Fèlsina Wines
The vineyards that produce Fèlsina wines are located in the Castelnuovo Berardenga area, in the southeastern part of Chianti Classico, with predominantly southwest exposures and altitudes ranging from 320 to 420 meters above sea level.
The soils vary from sandstone and alberese in the higher areas, with an increasing presence of clay in the more southern vineyards, closer to the Crete Senesi.
Thanks to high summer temperatures and clay-rich soils, Castelnuovo Berardenga is known for producing wines with intense and complex aromas, featuring pronounced alcohol and tannin components.
Fèlsina Wines
Fèlsina’s wines have played and continue to play a central role in the history of this region. After initial difficulties, the winery emerged as a reliable source of some of the best wines in Chianti Classico. The arrival of consultant winemaker Franco Bernabei in the 1980s significantly contributed to consolidating the high status Fèlsina enjoys today.
Fèlsina’s “basic” Chianti Classico is much more than a simple table wine, often offering the structure and depth of many Riserva wines.
However, it is the selections that have garnered the most admiration, becoming synonymous with an expressive and intense Sangiovese: the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia, with its complex character and distinct acidity; the Chianti Classico Colonia, powerful and concentrated; and Fontalloro, a historic wine produced since 1983, rich and dense with great aging potential.
These are complemented by a refined Cabernet Sauvignon, Maestro Raro, and the elegant Chardonnay I Sistri, aged in barrique.
The range also includes a creative Brut classic method sparkling wine, made from a blend of Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, widely recognized as one of the best sparkling wines in Tuscany.
Chianti Classico ‘Colonia’ 2020 – Fèlsina
Characteristics: On the nose, it opens with aromas of ripe berries, violets, and iris, enriched by hints of toasting and sweet spices. On the palate, it is dense, with material tannins and a fresh acidity that perfectly balances the structure. The finish is long and persistent.
The grapes come from the top of the Rancia vineyard, at 500 meters above sea level. The wine ages in new French oak barriques for over 30 months, followed by 8-12 months in bottle. With its complex and modern profile, Colonia is one of the best examples of Chianti Classico, a pure expression of the territory.
Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Chianti Classico Rancia Gran Selezione 2021 – Fèlsina
Characteristics: An elegant wine with aromas of ripe black fruits, violets, and sweet spices, enriched by notes of vanilla and toasting due to aging in barrique. On the palate, it is powerful and well-structured, with refined tannins, good freshness, and a long, persistent finish.
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, followed by 18-20 months in new French oak barriques. Bottling occurs after 6-8 months of bottle aging. Grapes come from Poggio a Rancia, trained in a cordon speronato system, with manual harvesting in the first decade of October.
Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Fontalloro 2021 – Fèlsina
Organoleptic Characteristics: Fontalloro 2021 expresses a broad and layered bouquet, where notes of ripe red fruit, including cherry and currant, intertwine with spicy nuances of black pepper and a hint of toasting. Subtle floral undertones enrich the profile. On the palate, the structure is full and defined, with refined tannins and vibrant freshness that supports the body. The finish is long and persistent, with an elegant return of dark fruits and spices, confirming the complexity of the wine.
The grapes come from the highest vineyards of Fèlsina, between 330 and 407 meters above sea level. After fermentation, the wine ages for 18-22 months in French oak barriques, both new and used, before being blended and bottled. An additional 8-12 months of bottle aging completes the evolution. Fontalloro is a wine that perfectly reflects the fusion of the power of Sangiovese and the variety of its terroirs. Its complex aroma and well-balanced structure make it a prime example of the denomination, capable of offering depth and longevity.
Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Chianti Classico 2022 – Fèlsina
Organoleptic Characteristics: The Chianti Classico 2022 from Fèlsina presents an elegant and fresh profile. On the nose, it opens with a vibrant explosion of crisp red fruit, primarily cherry and strawberry, accompanied by subtle floral notes of violet and a hint of delicate spices. The palate is fresh and dynamic, with delicate yet well-defined tannins that support the fine, graceful structure.
After fermentation, the wine is transferred to Slavonian oak casks of medium size, with a small percentage aged in second- and third-use barriques. After 12 months of maturation, the wine is blended and bottled, where it ages for at least 3 months before being released.
Fèlsina continues to prove itself as one of the best interpreters of Chianti Classico for its ability to combine drinkability and complexity, offering excellent value for money.
Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2017 – Fèlsina
Characteristics: This wine has a layered aromatic profile, opening with notes of candied orange peel, followed by hints of honey, saffron, and wild mint. On the palate, it flows sweet, dense, and voluminous. The finish is well-balanced, with great persistence and clarity.
The grapes are subjected to natural appassimento on racks until December, sometimes even until January-February of the following year. After pressing, the must is transferred into sealed 100L oak caratelli with the “mother”. After 7 years in the vinsantaia, it is aged for at least 6 months in bottle before being released.
Fèlsina’s Vin Santo is a wine of rare finesse and balance, made from Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Sangiovese. It is rightfully considered among the best Vin Santo for its complexity and persistence.
Grape Varieties: Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Sangiovese
Info & Contacts Fèlsina
Address: Via del Chianti 101, 53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga (SI)
Tel: +39 0577 355117
Website:www.felsina.it
e-mail:info@felsina.it
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