San Felice : Il Grigio Gran Selezione 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for Il Grigio Gran Selezione 2020 from San Felice

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a deep ruby-red color with remarkable viscosity.

Nose

The bouquet reveals delicate fragrances of soft violets, harmoniously intertwined with spicy notes of tobacco leaf. With aeration, the nose gains in complexity, unfolding aromas of blackcurrant, floral hints of violet, and mineral touches evocative of tar and gravel.

Palate

On the palate, this wine displays a broad, generous structure shaped by ripe, succulent tannins, perfectly balanced by bright acidity that brings freshness and energy. The palate expresses flavors of cherry, plum, leather, iron and sweet spices in a dense, concentrated ensemble. The finish is expansive and fresh, lingering with fine spicy persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, notably bistecca alla fiorentina. It also elegantly accompanies game such as wild boar, roe deer or rabbit, as well as braised dishes with rich sauces. Aged cheeses such as pecorino romano or parmigiano-reggiano also make excellent partners.

Serving and cellaring

Il Grigio Gran Selezione 2020 can be enjoyed now but will continue to develop favorably until around 2042. Decanting for one hour will help soften the tannic structure and fully release the aromas.

An outstanding Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from Tuscany

The estate

San Felice boasts a documented history dating back to 714 A.D. The estate was transformed into a modern wine property from 1968 by Enzo Morganti. Since the late 1970s, San Felice has belonged to the Allianz group and today spans 685 hectares, including 188 hectares of vines. Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga in Chianti Classico, the estate is currently led by Carlo De Biasi as General Manager, with Francesca Giuggioli recently appointed Head Winemaker. San Felice stands out for its pioneering commitment to viticultural research, notably through the Vitiarium created in 1986, an experimental vineyard preserving nearly 270 ancient and threatened Tuscan grape varieties. The estate practices regenerative viticulture and will be certified organic in 2026.

The vineyard

The vines dedicated to Il Grigio Gran Selezione are located in the finest parcels of the San Felice estate, in the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. The vineyard sits at around 400 meters above sea level on medium-textured soils composed mainly of calcareous marls, with alberese and galestro formations enriched with gravel and pebbles, promoting optimal drainage. The temperate continental climate, characterized by significant day-to-night temperature variations, allows for optimal phenolic ripening of sangiovese while preserving natural acidity. The presence of forests covering nearly two-thirds of the property helps moderate temperatures and encourages good air circulation.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage began with a mild winter that led to early budbreak, abruptly interrupted by a severe frost on the night of March 25, which significantly reduced yields. Spring then proved favorable, with moderate rainfall alternating with sunny periods. Summer remained warm without excess, allowing for steady ripening. From late August onward, nighttime temperatures dropped significantly, creating ideal conditions for the development of sangiovese’s aromatic complexity while maintaining beautiful acidity. Harvest began around September 20, with grapes of exceptional quality and health.

Winemaking and aging

Il Grigio Gran Selezione 2020 was vinified with temperature-controlled skin fermentation between 28 and 30°C for eighteen to twenty days in stainless-steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation took place in temperature-controlled vats. Aging was carried out over twenty-four months, with 80% of the wine matured in large French and Slavonian oak casks of sixty to ninety hectoliters, and 20% in 225-liter French barriques. After blending and bottling, this Tuscan wine underwent a further six months of bottle aging before release.

Grape varieties

Sangiovese (80%), pugnitello, malvasia nera, ciliegiolo, mazzese and abrusco (20%).