Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC 2018 dolce

Fèlsina | Tuscany
Fèlsina S.p.A. s.a. | Via Montanini 54 | IT 53100 Siena

09170318 · 0,375 l · 90,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

The name embodies three thousand years of history: the Etruscans called this land "Fèlsina", long before it came to be known as Tuscany. When the shipowner Domenico Poggiali acquired the estate in Castelnuovo Berardenga in 1966, it was known primarily for its olive oil – there were just two and a half hectares of vines on the 400-hectare estate. The Vin Santo embodies the estate’s philosophy: respect for tradition, but no fear of the unconventional. Unlike most producers, Felsina does not use only Trebbiano and Malvasia, but adds a proportion of Sangiovese – the grape variety that has made the estate world-famous with Rancia and Fontalloro. The Sangiovese lends the sweet wine structure and colour, a hint of tannin and that elegance which characterises Felsina's wines.

The grapes come from the Valli and Il Poggiolo vineyards and, following a rigorous selection process, are dried on mats until January, sometimes February of the following year. The must then ferments in sealedLiters containing the "madre": that mysterious, thick substance made up of yeast and residues from previous vintages, which gives Vin Santo its complexity. The wine matures for seven years in the attic, exposed to the seasonal temperature fluctuations – hot summers, cold winters – a natural rhythm that knows no haste.

In the glass, it glows a golden yellow with coppery highlights. On the nose, it opens with notes of peach and apricot, pineapple and candied fruit, underpinned by honey and toasted walnuts. On the palate, it is warm and full-bodied, yet never heavy – the acidity balances the sweetness, whilst the oak adds structure without overpowering. A Vin Santo that proves why this wine was once called 'holy'. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Fèlsina 2018 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is a blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Sangiovese with a beautifully evolved bouquet of candied fruit, honey, toasted almond and marron glacé. Dried apricot, orange peel and sweet baking spice add further dimension, while a nutty, oxidative quality emerges with time in the glass. The wine is rich and softly viscous, but freshness keeps the sweetness in check and gives the finish energy and length. The grapes undergo four months of appassimento before the wine spends seven years in 100-liter caratelli." Wine Advocate

"An intense wine with aromas of candied orange, apricot jam, celery and lively resin. Full-bodied, dense and silky, supple with balanced, lively acidity and the depth of caramelised fruit. An impressive finish. Drink now or lay down." James Suckling

"The Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2018 is another classic in this series from Fèlsina. Sweet dried cherries, white flowers, hazelnut, dried herbs, menthol, orange peel and cinnamon are just some of the many notes that delight the palate. Soft, supple textures frame the mid-palate and the long, resonant finish. The 270 grams of residual sugar are beautifully integrated." Vinous