Berardenga Chianti Classico 2022

Located southeast of Siena, in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Fèlsina estate extends across the southernmost part of the Chianti Classico appellation, bordering the Crete Senesi. The vines for the Berardenga cuvée are rooted in a mosaic of soils, a blend of pebbles, limestone, sandstone, and clay-sand deposits, at moderate altitudes that offer significant temperature variations. This Tuscan terroir, well-ventilated and sunny, allows for a slow and complete ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines that are structured, elegant, and deeply marked by their origin.

The grapes are harvested by hand, then destemmed and crushed before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with maceration on the skins to extract color and tannins. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in tanks. Aging occurs primarily in large oak casks and barrels for several months to refine the structure, soften the tannins, and preserve the typical character of Sangiovese and the Castelnuovo Berardenga terroir.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , black fruit , and stone fruit , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, licorice, and sweet tobacco. Subtle oak accents, evoking cedar and a touch of vanilla, mingle with a discreet mineral structure. On the palate, the wine is juicy and taut, supported by lively acidity, firm yet fine tannins, and a long, flavorful, and slightly balsamic finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!