Fèlsina Berardenga, Chianti Classico Riserva

The vineyards are located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the south-eastern part of the Chianti Classico appellation, north-east of Siena. Almost exclusively with a south-western exposure, they sprawl across ventilated slopes at an altitude ranging from 320 to 420 metres above sea level. Geologically, the terrains are mixed: in the higher parts the soil is predominantly rock quartz and calcareous alberese mixed with alluvial pebbles; sandstone and loam characterize the vineyards on the edge of the Colli Senesi in the direction of the Crete Senesi. Vines are planted at a density of 5,400 plants per hectare and are trained with the Guyot system.

2021 began with a rainy January that replenished the soil's water reserves, setting a strong foundation for the growing season. February and March experienced temperatures within the seasonal average, except for a brief period of warm weather at the end of March. Spring was generally mild, cooler than in recent years, with well-distributed rainfall. However, abrupt temperature drops in April slowed the budding of the vines. Summer temperatures aligned with the recent averages, and August brought two episodes of heavy rain that greatly benefited the vineyards. In September, temperatures dropped sharply, with notably cool nights, excellent temperature variations, and several rain showers, allowing the grapes to ripen gradually through the end of the harvest.

The hand harvested grapes were carefully selected at the winery, then destemmed and gently pressed. The must was fermented and macerated in stainless steel tanks for 14-16 days at 28°C-30°C, with programmed punchdowns and daily pumpovers. In early spring, the wine was moved into medium-sized Slavonian oak barrels, and into second and third-use French oak barrels. The final blend was assembled after 12-16 months of maturation, and the wine was aged in bottle for a minimum of three to six months before release.