FELSINA BERARDENGA Chianti Classico 2007 This 470 hectare estate is located northeast of Siena, in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, on the southern border of the Chianti Classico production area. Fèlsina epitomises the powerful style of southern Chianti, where the wines are stylistically more akin to those from Montalcino than their fellow Chianti from Fontodi or Isole e Olena. Giuseppe Mazzocolin runs the estate and consultant enologist Franco Bernabei has worked here, as well as at Selvapiana and Fontodi, since 1983. The Felsina vineyards are on average more than 50 years old, located at an altitude of 350-420m above sea level, with a good southwest exposure. There are 5,400 vines planted per hectare. Soils are Quartzitic blue-grey sandstone mixed with sand strata, calcareous alberese mixed with alluvial pebbles. Vines are trained according to a simple guyot system, with a maximum of 5-8 buds per vine. Harvest takes place at various times depending on the altitudes of the vineyards and their different ripening times, but usually within the first three weeks of October. Harvest took place at various times depending on the altitudes of the vineyars and their different ripening times, but usually in the first three weeks of October. 2007 was characterised by a warm, dry winter and spring which encouraged an early start to the growing season. Very dry weather was mitigated by rain in June and a normal summer/autumn. Wines are powerful but still well-balanced as a result. Fermentation took place at 28-30°C with automatic punching down of the cap on a daily basis, followed by 12-15 day maceration. In March- April, the wine was transferred to small and medium-sized casks for 12 months followed by 3-6 months bottle-age before release. Deep, attractive ruby red in colour with a perfumed nose with marked scents of wild red berries and nuances of mixed spices. On the palate, the fruit is at the fore, supported by supple tannins. A long, spicy finish. Offers ripe apple, with spicy, creamy notes on the nose. Full-bodied, with a gentle, silky texture and subtle fruit and spice, showing white pepper and apple pie flavours Very stylish. 90 points, James Suckling, Wine Spectator, 31 Aug 2009 Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Castelnuovo Berardenga Winemaker Franco Bernabei Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13% Bottle Sizes 150cl, 75cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £121.86 (Including VAT at 20%)