2015 Fèlsina Berardenga, Toscana IGT, Fontalloro (RT 94+) Like Rancia, this wine was also introduced to the world in 1983. While it too is 100% Sangiovese, the source vineyards straddle the Chianti Classico/Chianti Colli Senesi border, thus its IGT classification. It is aged in a combination of new and first passage French oak barrels for 18-22 months, thus it shows a slightly less polished character than its brethren Rancia. Showing a typical Felsina ruby hue, the bouquet reveals ripe notes of black cherry, red currant, thyme, leather and hints of spice. The mouthfeel is delicious and round punctuated with uplifting acidity and ripe, round tannin. This drinks very well now but needs some oxygen to open-up, i.e. – decant it! A truly fine vintage for this wine, although it doesn’t quite rise to the level of the 2016 Rancia. As a pop n’ pour I would suggest giving this a few more years to round out and come together, cellar time that will pay off in a big way! Drink 2022-2040+
