Fèlsina, located in the southern tip of Chianti Classico in Tuscany, is one of Italy’s most respected wineries, celebrated for producing high-quality, terroir-driven Sangiovese wines. Established in 1966, Fèlsina’s commitment to traditional viticulture, paired with innovative winemaking techniques, has made it a leader in showcasing Sangiovese’s potential for elegance and longevity. Among its offerings, the Fontalloro stands as a flagship wine—a “super Tuscan” that beautifully represents both the region’s ancient heritage and the modern evolution of Italian winemaking.

The 1999 vintage of Fèlsina Berardenga Fontalloro is a classic example of how expertly crafted Sangiovese can evolve over time, offering complexity, depth, and an expression of Tuscan terroir that has captivated wine lovers worldwide. This vintage, in particular, benefits from both the quality of the growing season and the refined winemaking approach taken by Fèlsina.

The 1999 vintage was widely regarded as an outstanding year for Tuscany, providing ideal conditions for ripening Sangiovese grapes. With a warm and dry summer followed by a cooler harvest period, the grapes achieved optimal balance between sugar ripeness and acidity. This combination of ripeness and structure has contributed to the wine’s remarkable longevity, allowing it to develop complexity and depth over the years while retaining its vibrant core.

After more than two decades of aging, the 1999 Fèlsina Berardenga Fontalloro showcases an exceptional bouquet of aromas, with tertiary notes that have evolved beautifully alongside its primary fruit. In the glass, it presents a deep ruby hue with hints of garnet on the rim, a sign of its graceful aging.

On the nose, it opens with complex aromas of dried cherry, blackberry, and red currant, layered with earthy notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor. Subtle hints of baking spices, cedar, and a touch of balsamic add a sense of depth and sophistication, reflecting the time spent aging in oak and bottle.

The palate is both structured and smooth, with fine-grained tannins that give it a firm yet refined mouthfeel. Notes of dark cherry, plum, and black raspberry meld seamlessly with secondary notes of liquorice, dried herbs, and a hint of truffle. The wine’s acidity remains lively and well-balanced, carrying the flavours through a long, satisfying finish that leaves a lingering impression of red fruit, spice, and earthy undertones.

Its depth and structure make it an excellent match for hearty meals such as osso buco, beef stews, and grilled meats, particularly lamb or steak. The wine’s earthy complexity and acidity also pair beautifully with dishes featuring wild mushrooms, truffle-infused risottos, or roasted game.