San Felice : Il Grigio Riserva 2022

Tasting characteristics and advice for Il Grigio Riserva 2022 by San Felice

Tasting

Color

The color displays a deep ruby-red hue.

Nose

The bouquet opens with delicate violet aromas accompanied by notes of wild red berries.

Palate

On the palate, the wine reveals a full body and a firm structure. The tannins are juicy, while a bright acidity brings freshness to the overall impression.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with pasta in meat-based sauces, grilled red meats, and roasted poultry.

Serving and cellaring

Il Grigio Riserva 2022 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 18°C. This wine can be cellared until around 2032.

An expressive, structured Chianti Classico Riserva

The estate

Founded in the late 1960s, San Felice spans more than 600 hectares in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, southeast of Chianti Classico, including 150 hectares of vineyards. Owned by the Allianz Group since 1982, the estate also has vineyards in Montalcino, in Maremma, and in Bolgheri. A pioneer with Vigorello in 1968, San Felice stands out for its Vitiarium project aimed at preserving 270 threatened native Tuscan grape varieties.

The vineyard

The Chianti Classico vines are planted on medium-textured soils, mainly composed of calcareous marls with the presence of Alberese and Galestro, enriched with an abundant mix of gravel and pebbles. The vines are trained using a spur-pruned cordon system, allowing for optimal ripening of the grapes.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage in Tuscany experienced no extreme weather events. The high summer temperatures were tempered by welcome rainfall in mid-August, promoting optimal berry ripening. Harvest began slightly ahead of the usual schedule, between the second week of September and the first week of October.

Winemaking and aging

After the harvest, Il Grigio Riserva 2022 is vinified with skin fermentation at a temperature between 28 and 30°C for 18 to 20 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aging takes place over 24 months, split between 80% in 60- or 90-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks and 20% in 225-liter French barrels. The wine then benefits from approximately 6 months of bottle aging.

Grape variety

100% sangiovese