San Felice : Il Grigio Riserva 2018

A complex and refined Chianti Classico red wine

The estate

Situated in Tuscany, San Felice is an Italian estate that is driven by the constant evolution of its know-how. For decades, this estate has successfully highlighted its terroir through the typicity of its wines.

The vineyard

San Felice's 2018 Il Grigio Riserva stems from a vineyards located in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the province of Siena. The vines are planted on calcareous soils, composed of Alberese and Galestro marl.

Following a meticulous selection, only the best grapes are used in the production of this Chianti Classico wine. The label features a portrait of a knight in armour, produced by the famous 16th-century Italian artist Tiziano Vecellio, also known as Titian.

The vintage

2018 was a year marked by an early crop development, due to high temperatures in March/April followed by heavy rainfall. The summer was hot and dry. During the month of September, the alternation between sunny days and cool nights was ideal and ensured the optimal ripening of the grapes.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested during the second week of September and the first week of October and undergo 18 to 20 days of fermentation. Malolactic fermentation in steel tanks. 80% of the juice is aged for 24 months in 60 or 90 hl Slavonian oak barrels, the remaining 20% in 225-litre French oak barrels. After bottling, the wine is aged for a further 6 months before being put on the market.

The blend

Sangiovese (100%).

San Felice’s 2018 Il Grigio Riserva: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This wine is a beautiful ruby red colour.

Nose

Complex, the nose combines floral (violets) and fruity (wild red fruits) fragrances.

Palate

Full-bodied, the palate is seduced by the wine’s fine tannins followed by a delicate acidity.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve at 18°C.

Food and wine pairing

This Tuscan red wine will perfectly complement starters with a meat-based sauce, roasted pigeon or grilled steak.

Cellaring

This 2018 Il Grigio Riserva by San Felice can be cellared until around 2028, which will enable it to reveal its full aromatic range.