Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Rancia Riserva 2016

If you know Fèlsina, you know they are the masters of the southern border. Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, at the southeastern edge of the Chianti Classico zone, this estate consistently produces wines that bridge the gap between the elegance of Chianti and the sheer power of Montalcino.

The 2016 ‘Rancia’ isn’t just a great wine; it’s a benchmark. Coming from a vintage that critics and collectors alike are hailing as “legendary” for its balance and longevity, this 100% Sangiovese is a masterclass in site-specificity.

The Rancia vineyard—a former Benedictine monastery site—sits on high-altitude limestone and alberese soils. This terroir translates into a wine with incredible structural integrity and while many Riservas can feel “made” in the cellar with too much oak, Fèlsina’s approach is transparent. They use a mix of French oak barrels, but the wood never masks the fruit. This is Sangiovese in its purest, most noble form.