This Super Tuscan from Fèlsina’s Castello di Farnetella comes from a corner of paradise in Tuscany. The vineyards are located in the municipality of Sinalunga, southeast of Siena and northwest of Montepulciano, where the sun shines bright and grapes can reach optimal ripeness. This Super Tuscan is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Merlot all coming from the small Lucilla vineyard. The Poggiali family has experimented with and perfected the cultivation of international varieties since 1978 on this plot of land. The wine is aged in different-sized barrels for 8-12 months, followed by 4-6 months in the bottle before release. Lucilla reveals rich fruity aromas, with very evident notes of ripe cherry, red plum, juicy blackberry, and a light spiciness, due in part to the period of aging in the cask. This is a complex and well-structured wine with a mouth-watering backbone of acidity, a full body, and plush tannins. 2019 is an exceptional vintage from Tuscany making this a cellar-worthy red but is also very approachable now and would be the perfect companion to a steak off the grill or pappardelle with beef ragù.
The man behind Fèlsina, Giovanni Poggiali, has an immense passion for growing Sangiovese. The family owns vineyards in their home region of Romagna as well as their second home in the southern part of Chianti Classico. Giovanni along with his 2 brothers have dedicated their lives to growing top-quality Sangiovese. Their grandfather, a true hunter, naturally practiced biodynamic principles before it was “cool”, and believed that this was the best way to take care of the land. Today, they continue these principles along with farming organically using no chemicals and pesticides in the vineyards. Their wines are pure and clean and Giovanni says “my liver is the proof” as he has been drinking his wines all his life and is in perfect health!
Francesco Giorgio
Author