Introduction:
The 2020 San Felice “Il Grigio” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany is a deep, structured expression of Sangiovese. This top-tier bottling from San Felice exemplifies the richness and power of the southern Chianti Classico zone, offering ripe dark fruit, firm tannins, and savory Tuscan complexity. It’s a wine built for aging, yet accessible with decanting.

Terrior:
The vineyards are located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, the southernmost area of Chianti Classico. Here, warmer temperatures and sunlight exposure promote full ripening, resulting in fuller-bodied wines. The estate selects only the best parcels for its Gran Selezione, planted on rocky clay and marl soils that lend mineral tension and structure.

Appearance:
Deep ruby with garnet reflections. Dense and vibrant, with excellent clarity and saturation.

Nose:
Aromas of black cherry, plum, and wild berries lead into earthy and savory notes of leather, dried herbs, tobacco, and iron. Hints of spice, cedar, and crushed violets add depth to the bouquet.

Palate:
Full-bodied and intense, with layers of black cherry, blackberry, and plum framed by structured tannins and lively acidity. Savory components—leather, dried thyme, and spice—emerge mid-palate, supported by a mineral core and balanced oak integration.

Finish:
Long and persistent, with a lingering interplay of ripe fruit, tobacco, and earthy minerality. Firm tannins and bright acidity give the finish both grip and freshness.

Overall Impression:
The 2020 San Felice “Il Grigio” Gran Selezione is a powerful, age-worthy Chianti Classico. Its bold fruit, structural integrity, and earthy complexity capture the essence of Castelnuovo Berardenga terroir. A serious Sangiovese that balances elegance and strength, it will reward cellaring or shine now with hearty fare.

Recommended Food Pairing:

• Meat / Game / Hearty: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short ribs, wild boar ragu, roasted lamb with rosemary

• Vegetarian / Vegetable / Hearty Vegetarian: Eggplant parmigiana, mushroom risotto, lentil stew, roasted root vegetables with herbs

• Cheese / Charcuterie: Aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Manchego, salami, prosciutto, Tuscan finocchiona

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~13.5%
Farming Practices: Estate-grown fruit from select parcels; sustainable vineyard management
Producer Name: San Felice
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Tuscany – Chianti Classico (Castelnuovo Berardenga)
Grape Varietals: Sangiovese (~90%) with indigenous varietals (Abrusco, Pugnitello, Malvasia Nera, Ciliegiolo, Mazzese)
Vintage: 2020
Wine Style: Full-bodied red; structured, savory, age-worthy
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional fermentation; extended maceration; aged in large oak barrels and barriques before release
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork

 Check out the press on today's offer!
 
95 points, Wine Review Online:
"Castelnuovo Berardenga, the southern-most of Chianti Classico’s UGAs (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive, or Additional Geographical Unit), is home to San Felice’s Chianti Classico property and helps explain the ripe, dense quality to this stunning Gran Selezione. What makes the wine sing and stand apart, however, is complementary herbal and mineral notes combined with fabulous and balancing enlivening acidity."
 
94 points, Wine Spectator:
"Cherry, plum, leather, and sweet spice flavors mingle in this dense, broad red, which stays focused courtesy of its vibrant acidity, with a wide girth of tannins on the fresh, complex finish."
 
93 points, Wine Enthusiast:
"The warm, inviting, almost sensuous nose features abundant tar and gravel, along with succulent aromas of blood orange, blackberry, and caramelized fennel. More dark berry notes emerge on the palate, before a finish of citrus and dark chocolate. Sticky, dense tannins bind everything together."
 
Order the 2020 San Felice Chianti Classico Castelnuovo Berardenga "Il Grigio"
Gran Selezione between now and Monday, December 8th, at 4 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Wednesday, December 10th, after 4 PM.
Cheers!
ABV: 13.5%