San Felice Deja Vu

One of the most memorable parts of my cycling trip through Tuscany was a visit to Tenuta San Felice at Relais Borgo San Felice. I remember tasting their delicious Il Grigio Chianti Classico Reserva which I believe was a 1999 or even a 1997. So it was with extreme surprise and excitement that while attending the Vino 2009 Italian Wine Week at New York's Hilton Hotel, I found myself standing at a table with the wines from San Felice.

Pouring that day was the Diretorre Comerciale, Fabrizio Nencioni who smoothly guided me through an amazingly rich selection of reds from the regions in and around San Felice. Out of the five that I sampled three were from Tenuta San Felice in Chianti Classico, one was from Tenuta Campogiovanni in Montalcino and one from Tenuta Perolla in Maremma.

1st: 2006 San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG (Tenuta San Felice)

100% Sangiovese, 12 months in Slavonian oak casks, with ruby red coloring, aromas of cherries, raspberries and violets, smooth tannins and crisp acidity. $17

2nd: 2005 Il Grigio Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG (Tenuta San Felice)

24 months in oak, 12 months in bottle, this is one I remember best, on the label was a medeival knight painted by Titian. Deep ruby red colors, aromas of red berries and violets. $23.

3rd: 2003 Vigorelli - Toscana IGT (Tenuta San Felice)

This one is a fine Supertuscan blended with 45% Sangiovese, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, 20 months in French oak, 10 months in bottle, garnet colors, aromas of red currant and earth, thick in texture with yummy silky tannins and hints of vanilla. $60.

4th: Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG (Tenuta Perolla)

3 years in Slavonian oak casks and 12 months in bottle, deep red colors, black fruits, blueberries, even some strawberries, smoke, leather and tobacco with a beautiful long finish.

5th: Poggibano Maremma Toscana IGT (Tenuta Perolla)

Mostly Merlot blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 months in barriques followed by 6 months in bottles, deep garnet coloring, blackberries, blueberries and ripe cherries and a nice balance.

All photos by Dave Trieger © 2006