I’ve had a rather rough stretch of bottles over the last couple of weeks. I believe only the Javillier Meursault yesterday was truly faulty, otherwise they have just been lackluster. The 2008 Produttori normale last week was pretty nice and I wanted to follow along those lines. Enter another classic, Felsina’s single vineyard Chianti Classico. I have had a bunch of vintages of it, starting from 1993 or 1995 I think, and they have all been stellar. This one delivers as well and serves as a good reminder to continue buying it. It’s powerful and dark for a Chianti and still quintessentially Tuscan. The missus was really happy as well and took a trip down the memory lane to reminisce over all the Italian producers we used to enjoy before I entered my Francophile phase, which continues to this day. As such, I reckon next weekend it will be time to reach for a bottle of ArPePe.
- 2008 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (6.6.2026)
Tobacco, leather, iron, dark sour cherry, some dried fruits and bitter dark chocolate on the nose. Huge complexity, very good aromatic intensity. At the same time very Chianti and unlike most Chianti. On the palate not massively concentrated but heady and powerful with plenty of structure. Again really good intensity with the sort of spiciness to accentuate the fruit that would indicate an ABV higher than the stated 13.5%. Quite youthfully vibrant still despite its 18 years, while fantastic already I feel like there is upside. It has a great presence with a proper tannic grip and a thoroughly savory feel to it, and still the fruit really manages to shine with good ripeness. A real top shelf Chianti close to its peak, this was absolutely great from the get-go but did benefit from decanting. Classics are classics for a reason.
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