2001 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia

Fattoria di Felsina is a historic estate in the Chianti appellation of Tuscany. Though primarily an olive growing estate, winemaking has been part of the estate’s tradition since 900. In the 18th century the estate was owned by the Busatti family of Florence, who built many of the buildings that are still used on the estate. In 1966 the estate was purchased by the Poggiali family, and today a second generation of the Poggiali family still runs the 153-acre estate. Felsina’s signature wines are its various Chiantis. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, has often awarded Felsina’s wines with 3 Bicchieri, the journal’s highest rating. The journal has noted that “the winery’s range (of wines) is the epitome of class and elegance.”

Chianti is Tuscany’s most famous and historic wine district, and the Chianti Classico DOCG is the most prestigious Chianti appellation. Fittingly, it is located in the heart of the larger Chianti DOCG. Chianti’s wines were so esteemed during the Renaissance that the Medici princes of Florence designated several villages within the Chianti region as discrete production zones, setting up the first appellations in Italy. By the 20th century Chianti was Italy’s primary wine export. But the pizza parlor Chiantis sent to foreign markets were inexpensive, unremarkable reds presented in round-bottomed, straw-covered bottles. To upgrade Chianti wines and the region’s image, the Chianti Classico DOC was created in 1967, then upgraded to DOCG status in 1984, with additional modifications made in 1996. In the last 20 years a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.”

This red grape is largely grown in central Italy. As the sole component or in a blend, it gives us Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino and Super Tuscans, among other favorites wines. The name is derived from the Latin for “blood of Jove.”