Rancia Chianti Classico 2021

Located southeast of Siena, in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Rancia vineyard belongs to the Fèlsina estate, in the heart of the historic Chianti Classico region. The vines occupy a former monastic farm terroir, facing primarily south and southwest, on slopes nestled between hills and woods. The soils, rich in galestro, alberese, and stony limestone deposits, ensure natural drainage and a slow ripening of the grapes, giving the Sangiovese a particularly deep and structured expression.

The grapes are hand-harvested, sorted, and destemmed before alcoholic fermentation and maceration in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with pump-overs and rackings to extract color and tannins. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. Aging continues in oak barrels, primarily French, for approximately 18 months, followed by a period of bottle rest before release, to refine the structure and develop the aromatic complexity typical of this Sangiovese cuvée.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe plum , and red berries , complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose . Spicy nuances of pepper and licorice mingle with elegant oak of cedar and blond tobacco . On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and precise, supported by lively acidity , firm yet polished 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!