Felsina Love-Fest: New Chianti Classico, Rancia
From before we set foot on Felsina's soil, staring in awe at the Tuscan countryside from the ruins of the Rancia farmhouse, we considered their wines our holy grail of Sangiovese. Our Felsina love-fest has only grown since then–when we list our favorite wineries worldwide, Felsina is right up top. Chianti Classico still doesn't have the glamour of other Italian red wine regions but that's okay: it has kept these extraordinary wines at modest, even Tuesday-night prices. They're here and ready to charm you into Sangiovese sublimity.
$23.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($25.95 regular)
92 points Vinous, Antonio Galloni: "The 2018 Chianti Classico Berardenga is endowed with so much class. In 2018, the Classico is a bit more restrained than it can be. That mid-weight sense of structure, though, gives the wine quite a bit of early appeal. Even so, I would cellar the 2018 for a few years, as all the elements haven't fully come together just yet. Dark cherry, game, smoke, licorice and earthy notes are a reminder we are in Castelnuovo Berardenga, even if the 2018 has less weight and overt power than Felsina fans are used to seeing."
Us: Our absolute can't-miss Tuesday-through-Monday night wine, the 2018 is especially elegant which makes it even easier to enjoy. Case-worthy for all Sangiovese fans!
________________________________________________________________
$46.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($51.95 regular)
95 points Vinous, Antonio Galloni: "The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is incredibly polished and sophisticated. Silky tannins give the 2017 its racy, sleek personality. Over the last year, the 2017 has really settled into a gorgeous place. There is plenty of vintage 2017 intensity, but Rancia is distinctly medium in body and restrained. The wilder side of Sangiovese, one of the signatures of Rancia and Felsina more broadly, tastes a bit baked out. I can't wait to see how the 2017 develops over the coming years and decades."
Us: This vintage is unstoppable in its early appeal; what started as a taste-test comparison with two other Chianti Classico Riservas turned into a love-fest for Rancia '17. The level of brilliance to it is striking. You can chase Brunello all day long and still not find such an exquisite Sangiovese as Rancia.