The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia is the first vintage in which Rancia moves from Riserva to Gran Selezione. More importantly, Fèlsina appears to be back on track after two years, during which Rancia underperformed because of the inclusion of a parcel that did not work in the blend and contributed a slight vegetal character. The 2021 marries power and finesse in the way only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spice, licorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are all finely knit in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that delivers the goods. Superb.
95+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jul 2024)
This energetic red is infused with cherry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors, all framed by vibrant acidity and powdery tannins. Though a bit dry on the finish, this is super long, picking up mineral and tobacco accents. Just needs time. Best from 2026 through 2045. 4,100 cases made, 1,800 cases imported.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2024)
Now upgraded to Gran Selezione status, the Fèlsina 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia shows a dark fruit profile with blackcurrants and wild plum. Those black and purple fruits cede to mineral notes of crushed slate or iron ore. The finish is dusty and dry because those mineral notes are reinforced by powdery tannins.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
Fèlsina has been producing their superb single vineyard bottling of Chianti from the Rancia vineyard since the 1983, always crafting the wine from one hundred percent sangiovese. These vines are now more than fifty years of age and the 2021 vintage marks a milestone for the wine, as this is the first vintage that it has been labeled as Gran Selezione. The wine is raised in French oak barriques, with fifty percent of the casks new. The 2021 Rancia comes in at an even fourteen percent octane and reveals a superb young aromatic constellation of plums, red and black cherries, a nice touch of spices meats, a beautiful base of soil, woodsmoke, a touch of lavender, brown spices and cedary French oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and structured, with a fine core of fruit, excellent soil signature, ripe, firm tannins, tangy acids and lovely balance on the long, focused and nascently complex finish. This is going to need at least a dozen years in the cellar to start to soften up, but as the note below on the 1997 Rancia will attest, it will be well worth the wait!
94 points, John Gilman, View From The Cellar (Aug 2025)
Pretty fruit and freshness to this, with a medium body, fine tannins and dark cherry, blood orange and cedar undertones. This is closed now, but shows focus and brightness. Linear tannins run through the center. Drink after 2026.
93 points, James Suckling (Apr 2024)
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