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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
"[Fèlsina's] 2021s are fabulous wines that capture all the best the vintage has to offer. The wines are incredibly distinctive, archetypes of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the sort of wines that will delight readers who enjoy Chianti Classico in all its guises." - Antonio Galloni,Vinous
The iconic Fèlsina estate has been setting the bar for decades in the Castelnuovo Berardenga sub-zone of the Chianti Classico DOCG, and in a reference-point vintage like 2021, they have hit bullseye after bullseye. The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectatorand Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer."
While the Riserva still needs time to show its full hand, the 2021 Chianti Classico Berardenga is perfectly poised to be your next go-to red, with pedigree and class that transcend its everyday, sub-$20 price point. A 92-point value star according to Galloni, "It's a super classic example of the house style and a wine readers should consider buying by the case." Need we say more?
Finally, with all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points fromWine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according toWine Spectator.
This set from Fèlsina is the classic Tuscan trifecta – a surefire value winner, a sharp collectible buy of world-class pedigree, and a stunning QPR overachiever that can be enjoyed today or hold its own in the cellar for years to come. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. |
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A firm and silky red with cherry, dried flower and orange peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh and focused finish. Needs a little time to soften but I already enjoy the energy here. Drink or hold.
93 points, James Suckling (Aug 2023)
The 2021 Chianti Classico Berardenga is boisterous and expressive right out of the glass. Dark fruit, earthiness, leather, spice and tobacco convey tons of Castelnuovo Berardenga character. The 2021 keeps getting better in the glass. It's a super-classic example of the house style and a wine readers should consider buying by the case. The Berardenga bottling can be a bit wild, but in 2021 has an added touch of sophistication that is undeniable.
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2023)
The Fèlsina 2021 Chianti Classico Berardenga has a spicy or crunchy side that I often find with Sangiovese. There is a lot of fruit brightness here with cassis, red cherry, mineral, dried tobacco and grilled rosemary. This is an easy-drinking Tuscan red with the natural acidity and brightness to pair with a classic lasagna or eggplant parmigiana.
91 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (May 2023)
This has a saline undercurrent to the cherry, cinnamon, rose hip, earth and Tuscan scrub flavors, all backed by a solid base of tannins and vibrant acidity. Long, energetic finish. Best from 2024 through 2030. 22,500 cases made, 8,000 cases imported.
91 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2023)
In the southeastern confines of the denomination, the Fèlsina estate has been an unwavering proponent of 100% Sangiovese. Even the annata captures the wildness of this grape combined with the Mediterranean character of this warm and luminous corner of Chianti Classico. The 2021 starts with smoky nuances, earth and subtle oak, then progresses to fragrant mint and thyme. It is concentrated and ripe, yet balanced by freshness and agility. An underlying firmness releases gradually to reveal a savoury finish of sundried tomato.
91 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Feb 2023)