At a glance

Producer

Fattoria di Fèlsina

Region

Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$35-$55 USD (as of early 2024)

Tasting profile

Red cherry, plum, wild herbs, violet, earth, savory spice, tobacco. Youthful grip with fresh acidity.

Evolution: Mid-term cellaring will reveal deeper tertiary notes: leather, dried flowers, forest floor, and balsamic nuances.

At peak: Silky texture with integrated tannins, expanded complexity, nuanced fruit and savory interplay.

Structure

Acidity

Bright and refreshing, classic for Sangiovese.

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, moderately high.

Alcohol

13.5%–14% ABV (typical for vintage and region).

Aging potential

High for Riserva; should develop complexity over the next decade.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2032

Optimal window

2025 to 2034

Current status

Young, with prominent structure but accessible with decanting.

Current condition

Vibrant primary fruit, fresh acidity, tannins still integrating. Ready for enjoyment with aeration; will evolve favorably in cellar.

Berardenga Riserva is crafted from high-quality Sangiovese grown on rocky, mineral-rich soils, giving robust structure and vibrant acidity. The 2020 vintage is structured for aging, with primary fruit flavors now and deeper character developing after 5–8 years, peaking as tannins fully integrate and secondary aromas emerge.

Food pairing

Traditional Tuscan cuisine (bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragu, aged pecorino), roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, hard Italian cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm, fine-grained tannins and is moderately high in tannins, which can benefit from aeration to soften the mouthfeel and enhance the aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Fèlsina uses sustainable vineyard management: reduced chemical inputs, cover cropping, manual harvest, water management, renewable energy implementation, and lightweight recycled glass bottles starting recent vintages.

Fattoria di Fèlsina emphasizes ecological responsibility and tradition, moving toward organic viticulture and improving resource management. While not certified organic or biodynamic, Fèlsina has earned reputation for sustainability leadership in Chianti Classico through reduced herbicide/fungicide use, cover crops to promote biodiversity, manual farming, and energy reforms in the cellar. Packaging continues to improve, but as an international export brand, transportation remains a carbon contributor. Overall, winery scores above average in environmental consciousness and industry direction.