San Felice with Marco Secola
Last week Marco Secola from San Felice in Castelnuovo Berardenga led us through a terrific range of Tuscan wines.
September 21, 2022
Peter writes,
Last week Marco Secola from San Felice in Castelnuovo Berardenga led us through a terrific range of Tuscan wines. The 2021 San Felice Perolla Vermentino was light, flavorful, and crisp, a perfect white for apperativo. You could say the same thing for the first red. The 2020 San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG is medium-bodied, showing red fruit, great balance, and a touch of spice.
The first of the more serious reds was the 2019 San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio. This wine showed dark cherry, flowers, spice, and a bit of complexity in burgundy style. Tasters considered this to be the best value. Next, Maco poured a unique wine from the estate, the 2018 San Felice Pugnitello. Pugnitello is a native Tuscan grape that was recovered and restored by San Felice in a project led by the University of Florence. This rich dark wine with a variety of black fruits accented by balsa notes and spice. Sold out, but more is coming in about two weeks
Next Marco poured the 2016 San Felice Chianti Classico Poggio Rosso Gran Selezione . Because of the character and greatness of the vintage, this was the most closed-up wine of the tasting. Also, Marco explained that Gran Selezione is a designation that indicates the finest Estate wine of the property. Tasters were impressed after the wine was open for a couple of hours. San Felice also owns a property in Montalcino, where the famous wine "Brunello" is made. The 2017 Campogiovani Brunello di Montalcino showed why the wine is famous. This has real depth and complexity of the Brunello clone of Sangiovese. Also, 2017 was a warm vintage, and the wines are approachable.
Thanks very much to Marco for the very friendly education.
White
2021 San Felice Perolla Vermentino Crisp, medium-bodied, flavorful. Great everyday white. Very Good 13.99/bottle Case 11.89
Red
2020 San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG Showing typical Sangiovese red fruits, spice, and flowers. Always a great value. Very Good Plus 18.99/bottle, Case 15.99
2019 San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio Also gives lots of value in a more complex and age-worthy wine. The texture is layered with notes of olive blossom in the long finish. Excellent 24.99/bottle, Case 21.25
2018 San Felice Pugnitello Noteworthy balance of rich dark fruits and spicy balsa herb. Rich mouthfeel and dynamic finish. Excellent 36/bottle, Case 31
2016 San Felice Chianti Classico Poggio Rosso Gran Selezione Old vine estate fruit and a great vintage give real complexity and texture. Gran Selezione is the designation that indicates the winery's best. It is noteworthy. Outstanding74/bottle, Case 63
2017 Campogiovani Brunello di Montalcino Shows the rich fruit of the vintage in a very balanced way. Drinkable now and will last years Reflects the philosophy of providing one of Italy's greatest reds for a reasonable price. Excellent72/bottle, Case 61
Or make your own; mix any 12 or more at their case prices
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- Len Rothenberg
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