Felsina - Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva 2009

Felsina - Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva 2009 (90 TSW)

Rancia, the estate’s single vineyard Riserva, was included by Decanter magazine in the 50 Great Italian wines of all time.  100% Sangiovese aged in French oak barrels; Made from the Rancia vineyard, combines power and elegance with an aging potential of 20-30 years.

The Rancia vineyard takes its name from the historic Rancia farmhouse, once a Benedictine monastery. Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga at elevations ranging between 400 and 420 metres it has a fine southwest-facing exposure. The more recent plantings utilize genetic material from massal selections gathered from the old Rancia vineyard. The soil is composed of limestone-derived alberese classic to the Castelnuovo Berardenga area and of galestro marl in some areas. First vintage was 1983.

After the quality-selected clusters are de-stemmed and pressed, the must is fermented and macerated in stainless steel for 16-20 days with programmed punchdowns and daily pumpovers. In March-April, the new wine goes into new French oak barrels; after 18-20 months of maturation, the final blend is assembled, bottled, and ages in glass a minimum of 6-8 months.

My tasting notes:

I first gave the wine a decant – this one is still young at 11 year of age.

In the glass a dark, light transculent ruby red color with garnet edges.
On the medium+ nose aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries and prunes with hints of cedar, new leather, spices and liquorice.
On the palate medium+ bodied with medium+ acidity and medium dry tannins. Flavours are a recall of the nose with good juice and spices, cedar and chocolate. Elegant and balanced classic Sangiovese. There is a slightly bitter note on the finish. Would love to retaste in 5/10 years.