San Felice ‘Chianti Classico’ DOCG 2020
Grape Varietal: Predominantly Sangiovese
Growing Region: Chianti Classico Area, Tuscany - Italy
Winemaker: Leonardo Bellaccini
San Felice Vineyards are like a picture postcard that you send back to family and friends to make then envious of your wonderful time in Tuscany. History that has been beautifully and respectfully restored to a high standard. The Borgo San Felice as it is known, was established in the early Middle Ages. With the first mention of the estate back in 714, and was said to have been involved in several disputes between the Bishops of Arezzo and Siena, as they fought over a number of parish churches in Tuscany. If you do visit San Felice to try their wines, plan ahead so that you can stay at the five star Borgo San Felice. That is set amidst around 275 hectares of pristine woods and gentle rolling Chianti hills, the estate is praised for its tasteful luxury.
This wine like previous vintages, is crafted from predominantly Sangiovese, with a small splash of Colorino and Pugnitello. Once the grapes were deemed ripe by Leonardo and his team, they underwent 8-10 days fermentation on skins at controlled temperatures, followed by malolactic fermentation in tank. The wine was then transferred into large Slavonian oak casks for 10-12 months of maturation, which was followed by a minimum of 2 months in bottle before labelling and release.
★ A classic rich cherry red colour fills your glass. On the elegant nose you have subtle notes of mixed cherries, red plums, wild flowers, cinnamon, dried herbs and a deft tobacco aroma. The medium weight palate casually but with an appealing charm showcases those ripe cherries, red plums and a splash of pomegranate. These are all nicely interlaced and lifted by honest fruit acidity, and the restrained use of oak has resulted in a fine grained texture that leads to a classic dry finish.
This 2020 San Felice ‘Chianti Classico’ DOCG has 13% Alc./vol. Crafted in a classic dry style. No decanting required and serve in a medium shaped red wine glass at 16°- 18°C. *NZ$34.99
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 25/5/24)
No decanting required, drinking well this season; and will age nicely for another 2 - 3 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with varied pork and lamb dishes, mushroom & truffle pasta, classic bolognese, along with prosciutto & black olive pizza, earthy vegetarian cuisine, plus aged hard cheeses - enjoy.
