Fattoria di Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Rancia’, 2004
~US$32, 100% Sangiovese, Chianti Classico Reserva
Quite simply one of the most compelling, proportionate, and interesting wines I’ve had in the last 3 months. A Gestalt wine, where the components each play a part in creating something greater. Purple black in color. Aromas of violets, truffles, red cherries, cedar and tobacco. Light on it’s feet but required a bit of time to open up, the palate for enveloping but refreshing - more like a great Pinot than a traditional Chianti. Excellent fruit ripeness but the greatness lies in the overall elegance, where the wood, tannins, acidity, fruit just sing together - you can dive deeper into each piece of the puzzle and be rewarded, or just sit back, sip and enjoy with medium-bodied food. This is a wine meant for the table, and presents a great value for the quality of the juice when compared to some of the other big B’s (Brunello, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Barolo, etc).