Felciaino 2021

Located on the Tuscan coast, the Felciaino vineyard belongs to the Chiappini estate, based in Bolgheri, near the municipality of Castagneto Carducci. The vines are rooted in soils of sand, silt, and pebbles, well-drained and influenced by the proximity of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This terroir, tempered by sea breezes and significant temperature variations, promotes a slow and steady ripening of the grapes. Surrounded by hills and Mediterranean forests, the vineyard benefits from generous sunshine and a microclimate particularly favorable to Bordeaux grape varieties.

The grapes are harvested by hand, then destemmed and sorted before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with macerations aimed at gently extracting color and tannins. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in tanks, then the wine is aged in French oak barrels for about a year, before blending and further aging in bottle to harmonize the structure and preserve the Tuscan character of the wine.

This wine reveals notes of ripe dark fruit, cherry, and plum, enhanced by discreet floral touches and spicy nuances of pepper and liquorice. Woody and slightly toasted accents from the aging complete the bouquet. On the palate, the body is full, with firm but polished tannins, well-integrated freshness, and a velvety texture leading to a persistent and flavorful 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!