FELSINA BERARDENGA Fontalloro 2005 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. Grapes for Fontalloro are grown on the Fontalloro and Poggio al Sole vineyards situated inside the Chianti Classico zone, and the Casalino and Arcidossino vineyards in the Chianti Colli Senesi zone. The vines are trained according to the simple guyot system, with a maximum of 5-8 buds per vine. They are over 50 years old, situated at an altitude of 400m above sea level. Soils here are calcareous in the Chianti Classico area and predominantly loamy and sandy on the borders of the Crete Senesi. Vines are planted at a density of 5,400 per hectare. Low temperatures in early spring delayed the development of the buds, stable and warm conditions until June have allowed a regular vegetative growing, granting a good fruit development. Warm June, some rains in July and August at regular time intervals resulted in the ripening of the grapes slightly later. Though they developed regularly and without stress factors. Warm September assured the aromatic complexity of the grapes and the vineyard stripping contributed to the raise sugar concentration, the polyphenol components and the aroma of the grape. The grapes were hand-picked over two periods from 20 September to 18 October, selecting only the best bunches. After de-stemming and pressing, fermentation took place at 28-30°C with daily punching down of the cap, followed by a 16-20 day maceration. The wine was then racked into barriques in March/April for 18-20 months ageing. It was then blended in stainless steel tanks and further aged in bottle for 8-12 months before release. A rich, brilliant ruby red in colour with generous notes of tobacco and wet earth on the nose. On the palate, smooth but powerful tannins are supported by superb weight and structure, and a long savoury finish. "Exhibits pure raspberry and strawberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with an enticing core of fruit and a long, silky-textured finish. I like it even better than the 2004." 93 points, ‘New Releases‘ Wine Spectator, James Suckling, Oct 08 Vintage 2005 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Castelnuovo Berardenga Consultant Winemaker Franco Bernabei Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13.5% Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £44.36 (Including VAT at 20%)