A fine, polished, single estate Chianti from San Felice.
A warm, generous, spicy nose, with macerated fruit compote characters. The palate has fresh red cherry flavours and fine, polished tannins - showing depth and good integration along with ripe red fruits and a long supple finish.
A large estate, with 180 hectares of immaculately maintained vineyards in Castelnuovo Berardenga, which lies adjacent to its sister property Villa la Pagliaia. The wines at both are made by Leonardo Bellacini, a master of the 'non interventionist' approach, giving classic expressions of high quality Sangiovese, restrained and complex and with great balance and depth. The secret lies in high quality grapes from exceptional vineyards, driven by an intensive research programme, in particular by selection of the best naturally occuring clones. The resulting wines are understated but satisfying, unencumbered by new oak, Cabernet or flashy winemaking.
Grapes were sourced from San Felice's Castelnuovo Berardenga and Siena properties - 350 to 400 metres above sea level.
8 - 10 days fermentation on the skins, followed by malolactic fermentation in steel. Maturation in large Slavonian oak botti for 10 - 12 months.
Drink with antipasti, or tortelloni and pecorino cheese.
95 Points - Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate. stands out due to its velvety richness and expressive flavour profile. The wine delivers measured intensity with bright purple and black fruits, a good sense of energy and drive, and some lingering spiciness on the close. It is rich but not heavy.
