Sunday, February 20, 2011

Fattoria di Felsina-Berardenga Chianti Classico Rancia Riserva 2007 DOCG


Back in 2006, when I took a cycling trip through Tuscany, I spent a few days in the quiet countryside of Castelnuovo Berardenga, where Sangiovese reigns. The Felsina tradition of exploring the full potential of that noble grape is expressed in this aromatic and complex, but balanced red wine. And this being a Riserva, a moniker given to only the best of vintages, harvested by hand, aged in small and medium oak barrels for 12-18 months and in bottle for 6-10 months.

Rich and aromatic, with spices, tobacco and coffee on the nose, an underlying floral freshness, hints of cappuccino, chocolate and vanilla laid over caramel, red berries and varnished wood on the back of the palate. Finely structured with an opulent quality.

Sampled at the Gambero Rosso "Tre Bicchieri" event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC.

I didn't have a useable photo of the 2007, so I took one of a 2006 I had in my stock (above left).

Label photo on right contributed thanks to Eric Guido at Gambero Rosso Event.

1 comment:

Eric Guido said...

Notes notes Dave. I love this wine, in fact I buy it in every vintage to put away for the future. This is one of those Sangiovese wines that are truly built for the long haul. I had a '95 recently that was to die for.

Great post, loved the notes.