What kind of wine is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Poggio Rosso' 2019 - San Felice?

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Poggio Rosso” 2019 - San Felice is the highest expression of the Tuscan winemaking tradition by San Felice. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, it comes from carefully selected vineyards located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, where the calcareous soil and balanced climate enhance the character of the grape variety. It is a wine of great structure and complexity, capable of combining power, elegance, and longevity.

Vintage Details

2019 stands out as one of the best vintages of the last decade in Tuscany. The climatic conditions, with a warm but not excessive summer and a dry autumn, allowed for optimal grape ripening. The Sangiovese bunches were able to develop an ideal balance between sugars, acidity, and tannins, resulting in a harmonious and profound wine. Only the most suitable parcels were designated for the production of "Poggio Rosso," totaling just over 10,000 bottles.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Poggio Rosso” 2019 - San Felice follows a careful process that respects the raw material. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of approximately 28°C, with a maceration on the skins for 25 days – a phase during which the must remains in contact with the skins to extract color, aromas, and tannins. This is followed by malolactic fermentation, a process that softens the acids and makes the taste rounder.

Aging takes place for about 3 years, alternating between the use of large barrels and oak barriques, followed by another 15 months in the bottle. The result is a wine that is already balanced, but with great potential for evolution over time.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red, with garnet nuances that foreshadow its complexity and potential for long aging.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and refined: it opens with aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and small red fruits, followed by delicate notes of violet, and spicy nuances of vanilla, tobacco, and leather due to its time in wood. With oxygenation, hints of aromatic herbs and balsamic accents emerge, further enriching its complexity.

Palate

On the palate, it is full-bodied and enveloping. The tannins are firm but velvety, a sign of a wine of great structure and precision. The lively acidity balances the power of the sip, providing a sensation of freshness and long persistence. The finish is elegant, with fruity and spicy notes that invite another sip.

What to pair with Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Poggio Rosso' 2019 - San Felice

Thanks to its depth and complexity, this Chianti Classico Gran Selezione pairs perfectly with dishes of bold and structured flavors. It is ideal to accompany:

• Grilled red meats or braised dishes, such as a sliced beef steak or a wild boar stew;
• Game meat, especially hare or venison with aromatic sauces;
• Aged hard cheeses, such as old Tuscan pecorino or Parmesan;
• Traditional Tuscan dishes based on game or mushrooms.

For a more modern pairing, it can also be enjoyed with gourmet meat dishes and red wine reductions.

Storage and Aging

If you're wondering how to store Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Poggio Rosso' 2019 - San Felice wine, the best way is to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct light, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C. The bottle should preferably be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist and preserve its seal.

This wine has a high aging potential: it can evolve for over 10-15 years, developing more mature and complex tertiary notes over time, while maintaining extraordinary elegance. Drinking "Poggio Rosso" today means appreciating its youthful strength; storing it means discovering, over the years, its deeper and more harmonious soul.