WTN: 2004 Fattoria di Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico

[David M. Bueker]

Just a short note, but as usual, Felsina does a great job:

2004 Fattoria di Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico (3/27/2007)
Textbook Chianti Classico, with cherry and strawberry flavors and a dusty/earthy undertone. Great acidity. Very easy to drink.

Thanks for note. I have the 2004, but haven't tasted yet. But is there a more consistent wine in Tuscany? Maybe Montevertine.

[David M. Bueker]

Not at the CC level as far as I know. Montevertine does a great job, but I don't think they can match Felsina (at least to my taste).

David--
Out of curiosity, remember how much you paid for it? On another thread ("Chianti suggestions"), Dale reports $15-$20, Richard Atkinson says more like $30 or higher. It's usually somewhere between those prices in my market.

[David M. Bueker]

$11.99 for 375ml

I bought the 2004 at Zachys, it's $18. I saw it on West Coast (winex? ) for $16.

I haven't even caught up with the '03s yet. I've heard that the '03 Chiatis are variable at best, but I figure if anyone did a good job it would be Felsina.

[David M. Bueker]

I skipped '02 and '03.

Thanks for note. I have the 2004, but haven't tasted yet. But is there a more consistent wine in Tuscany? Maybe Montevertine.

Isole e Olena?
/A

[David M. Bueker]

Thanks for note. I have the 2004, but haven't tasted yet. But is there a more consistent wine in Tuscany? Maybe Montevertine.

Isole e Olena?
/A

Not at the same level, but good and consistent.

Aaagh...stop it...you guys are killing me. $16.00 for Felsina Berardenga CC!?

Richard

Tasted this recently with the winemaker near Boston (with 2003 riserva, 2001 Rancia and 2001 Fontalloro), and on it's on my list to buy when I see it at a good price. Really delicious. Already have some of the 2 2001s, which are wines to age, esp the Fontalloro. Around here the 2004 CC is ~$20 at full price.
Charles

Well, what about Fonterutoli then? A bit heavier, more international style, but still very good and consistent.
/A

Anders,
I like the Fonterutoli too, and agree completely with how you characterize it. Around here, it's pricier than the Felsina.
Charles

In fact, here it is the other way round. The basic Berardegna is a little more expensive than the Fonterutolo CC and the Felsina costs more than Castello di Fonterutoli.
/A

Good thread! Especially as CC is subject of this months Wine Focus.

I had this wine at dinner Thursday night, not realizing this thread was here until just now. A nice Italian restaurant in the next suburb, wife and I had dinner with our daughter, home from college. Vaguely remembered something on the board here that good Chianti came from producers whose name started with "F." Paid about $30 or $32 which seems like a good price given that this was a restaurant.

Really enjoyed the wine. Most CCs I have tasted finish with a little bite. This wine was much smoother than those.

If you want to indulge yourself at a relatively low cost ($50), find some Berardenga CCR Rancia '97. One of the few single-vineyard Chiantis.

I like the Felsina wines at all price points!

I like the Felsina wines at all price points!

I can only agree, I visited the estate a few weeks ago and with just one exception(Pinot nero) I enjoyed all their wines. Especially the 97 Fontalloro