Unlocking the Secrets of Fèlsina Winery

When we think about Tuscany, the famous Italian region, what springs to mind?

The glorious past of its Renaissance noble courts and the culture that they spread over their territories and beyond, the incredible genius of artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, whose paintings enrich local and international museums with their outstanding beauty, not to mention the exquisite manufacturing that includes shoes, clothing and jewellery. And, of course, wine: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Maremma red wines among others, are sure to bring Tuscany savoir-faire to every table worldwide, reaching a global audience with that unmistakable and very much appreciated flavour typical of this region.

Here, wineries hold centuries-old secrets and nowadays offer both tradition and innovation. How marvellous it is to hold a glass of wine and discover not only aromas and flavours, but all the splendour, history and authenticity of a region itself.

If I had to pick a winery that encompasses all the Tuscan wonders, I would certainly opt for Fèlsina winery in the Northeast of Siena, in the village of Castelnuovo Berardenga.

Oh, Chianti Classico, what a heavenly land: its pebbled winding roads, its cypresses reaching the sky, the roe deer running up and down the hills, the warm light, the almond cantucci paired with Vin Santo, all together make Chianti Classico a dreamland promising adventure, discovery and fascination.

And it’s right here that Fèlsina, the idyllic property that once belonged to Granduchi di Toscana and later was the villa of the noble family of Busatti, was purchased in 1996 by Domenico Poggiali. He was a visionary entrepreneur who decided to invest in this territory with passion, devotion and unwavering commitment.

A few kilometres from Castelnuovo Berardenga, you come across the city of Siena, while on the horizon your gaze runs up to Mount Amiata and then in the direction of Montalcino and the Maremma, up to the sea.

The Fèlsina farm was founded in this ancient municipality, which today boasts 500 hectares of which 72 are vineyards.

The winery is located in a border area, on the south-eastern edge of the Chianti Classico, between the last offshoots of the Chianti Mountains and the initial part of the Ombrone valley, to reach the Crete Senesi with its vineyards.

The soils, due to their unique position, are heterogeneous: they range from those of sedimentary origin, composed of marl, typical of Chianti, to the Crete Senesi, clay soils rich in minerals and other nutrients.

The place also enjoys a very windy and sunny climate, so much so that it was named Land of Light’ by Domenico Poggiali for its exposure, particularly favourable to an excellent ripening of the grapes, such as Sangiovese, the red grape variety typical of this area.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Fèlsina sparkling wines:
Here are three magnificent wines aged on their lees, produced in accordance with the classic method.

Spumante Brut Blanc de Noir

Metodo Classico
60% San Giovese, 40% Pinot Noir

The wine shows a medium lemon intensity with golden hints, while the perlage is refined and persistent.

On the nose, it opens with citrus notes intertwined with red berries, sweet spices and melted butter nuance. After a while, it becomes richer and more complex, playing between the fruit concentration and the autolytic aromas.

On the palate, it’s creamy and well-balanced between freshness and creaminess.
It’s full-bodied due to some soft tannins that come up in the mid-palate.
The flavour is full yet fresh on the finish, while the structure becomes even creamier and intense.

Spumante Brut

Metodo Classico
60% San Giovese, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

The wine offers a luminous straw-yellow colour enhanced by long-lingering fine bubbles.

On the nose, it’s crisp and delicate with harmonious floral and fruit notes, particularly golden apple, juicy peach and pastry.

In the mouth, it’s dry, full-flavoured and well balanced. A zesty acidity drives the lengthy finish, revealing tropical fruit notes.

Spumante Brut Rosè

Metodo Classico
50% San Giovese, 30% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

The wine is characterised by a lovely antique rose with onion skin-coppery hues, enhanced by a fine mousse. It exudes a delicate and refined bouquet with notes of wild berry fruit, citrus, and rose petals.

It’s well-balanced on the palate, revealing a refreshing acidity with a finish marked by redcurrant, bread crust and wild berry fruit.

Can we imagine the vivid light that illuminates the Tuscany hills through Fèlsina’s shimmering, fine perlage?

Can bubbles embody all the aromas and flavours in their vibrant spheres?

Can we get the unique Tuscany taste as soon as we enjoy a glass of Fèlsina’s bubbly?

I think so, and this is the evocative and magical power of wine: it can bring you to its native land by just holding, smelling and sipping a glass of it.

I hope every wine lover can visit Tuscany one day, and be mesmerised by its enchanting beauty, breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisine that you won’t find in any other place in the world.

With enthusiasm,

Stefania Ruffo

felsina.it

Photo Credit belongs to Fèlsina Winery; Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use the images.