2016 Maestro Raro

I have had many memorable tastings at Fèlsina over the years, but my most recent visit was especially of note, as I tasted an extensive vertical of Fontalloro for an upcoming article. As for the current releases, they are terrific. Fèlsina excels with bold Sangioveses that show the wilder side of the variety typical of Castelnuovo Berardenga, which lies at the southern end of the Chianti Classico apellation, just a few kilometers from Siena, which can be seen from the vineyards on a clear day. Fèlsina is of course best know for their flagship Chianti Classico Rancia, which is one of the world's most distinctive wines. For my money, though, the real standout in this range when it comes to quality and for the price is the Chianti Classico Riserva, which is a mini-Rancia of sorts that opens a bit earlier in bottle but that can also age. Readers should also take a look at the wines of Fèlsina's sister properties, Castello di Farnetella and Pagliarese, which are reviewed here separately.