We love Chianti Classico in general and really love this San Felice 2020 Chianti Classico in particular-- it's true to its place of origin, offers a lot of value and is well-made, delicious wine. That it captured the #24 spot in Wine Spectator's top 100 wines of 2022 for the ridiculously reasonable price tag doesn't hurt... and may bring people in for the first bottle... but it's the quality that has brought them back!
This is a compelling Sangiovese-driven wine with native grapes Colorino and Pugnitello (a rare variety that San Felice has championed) that reflects a distinctive part of southern Chianti, yielding a richer and darker-fruited style. It's extremely accessible and satisfying without losing its Tuscan character and soul thanks to the adherence to some tried-and-true traditions. This is a wine you don't have to rush to drink, either, as it will hold and even evolve nicely over the coming years (though we doubt it will last that long in anyone's home). Stock up while it's here, and it could be your Spring house red!
This comes from the southern part of Castelnuovo Berardenga, a warmer part of Chianti Classico that leads to generous fruit tones that quickly develop leather and tobacco accents, and softer tannins in the mouth; nevertheless, calcareous soils contribute to a vigorous, firm structure of acidity and tannins to frame and support it all.
#24 ON WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100 WINES OF 2022
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS 'SMART BUY' - "This supple red shows a core of cherry and plum fruit allied to olive, juniper and tobacco notes. Delivers well-integrated tannins and acidic structure, lingering nicely on the finish. Sangiovese, Colorino and Pugnitello. Drink now through 2030. 29,000 cases made, 9,745 cases imported."
This is a compelling Sangiovese-driven wine with native grapes Colorino and Pugnitello (a rare variety that San Felice has championed) that reflects a distinctive part of southern Chianti, yielding a richer and darker-fruited style. It's extremely accessible and satisfying without losing its Tuscan character and soul thanks to the adherence to some tried-and-true traditions. This is a wine you don't have to rush to drink, either, as it will hold and even evolve nicely over the coming years (though we doubt it will last that long in anyone's home). Stock up while it's here, and it could be your Spring house red!
This comes from the southern part of Castelnuovo Berardenga, a warmer part of Chianti Classico that leads to generous fruit tones that quickly develop leather and tobacco accents, and softer tannins in the mouth; nevertheless, calcareous soils contribute to a vigorous, firm structure of acidity and tannins to frame and support it all.
#24 ON WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100 WINES OF 2022
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS 'SMART BUY' - "This supple red shows a core of cherry and plum fruit allied to olive, juniper and tobacco notes. Delivers well-integrated tannins and acidic structure, lingering nicely on the finish. Sangiovese, Colorino and Pugnitello. Drink now through 2030. 29,000 cases made, 9,745 cases imported."
Overall Rating
5 out of 5 Based on 1 Review
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21st Nov 2023
Lively red cherry
Red cherry with ample acid and lovely balance. This is my favorite wine this year.
