Dear Wine
Friend,
Most of you will remember my
fondness for the 2006 "everyday" Felsina Chianti
Classico.....still available in 375 ml. at $13.50
($11.88) "Mama Mia" .
I have been lying in wait for the release of the
2005 Felsina
Fontalloro. This was easily my very
favorite wine of the annual Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchiere tasting
held in San Francisco last March. And
yes, Fontalloro received the most coveted Tre Bicchiere ("3 Glasses") award
again; the sixth time since 1993, last since
the superb 2001 vintage. Out of the over 18,000
wines reviewed by Gambero Rosso for the 2009
publication, only 339 received the highest Tre Bicchiere
honor!! A long with the very successful 2005 Felsina
Rancia, which also scored the gold, it is easy to
understand how Felsina was honored as the 2009 "Winery of the Year" by
Gambero Rosso.
Fontallora is 100% Sangiovese from 50+ year old
vines. But because the fruit is
sourced from three Felsina vineyards, one within
the Chianti Classico (Fontalloro), and two others
(Casalino and Arcidossino) across the border within
the DOCG Chianti Colli Senesi, the wine must be
designated Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
Toscana.
However, it is this very melding of two different
viticulture areas, Chianti's calcareous and
Senesi's loamy sandy soils, that creates the perfect
harmony and balance found in Fontalloro. The
sources are vinified separately, and maintained
for 20 months in French barrique, before
final blending in stainless steel, and aged in
glass for another year.
"A rich, brilliant ruby red. Good spice on
the nose, with generous notes of tobacco and wet earth
(and of dry earth as well). The palate is supported by a
hefty charge of medium-smooth tannins to ensure the
required lengthy ageing. Superb weight and structure,
with a classic finish. Significant cellarability in
great vintages." -
Felsina
".....quite simply a masterpiece.
Fontalloro is equally superb, from 100 percent
sangiovese, and flaunts a spicy, balsamic nose leading
into a palate whose tannins are more forthright, but
very well behaved." - 2009
Gambero Rosso
"Exhibits pure raspberry and strawberry on
the nose. Full-bodied, with an enticing core of fruit
and a long, silky-textured finish. I like it even better
than the 2004. Sangiovese. Best after 2010" - Wine Spectator - 93
points
There is not too much more I can say about
the wines of Felsina and proprietor Giuseppe Mazzocolin,
except that they are reference point wines for anyone
who wants to discover the essence of contemporary
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico. This is a compelling
set of new releases from Mazzocolin and long-time
consulting oenologist Franco Bernabei, one of the giants
of modern Tuscan oenology. Even better, the wines remain
very fairly priced. I was amused when another producer
complained to me recently about Felsina's
prices.
- The Wine Advocate (Antonio
Galloni) The 2004 rated 94, but the 2005
has not been reviewed at this
time.
Renee and I just enjoyed the
wine for her Birthday dinner. Last year you may
remember my choice was the 01 Quorum Barbera d'
Asti....Trust me, the Fontalloro will entice the
same kind of thrills and excitement!! The wine is forceful and
concentrated, but still moves magically across the
palate with amazing grace and elegance. Drink
this wine accompanied by O Sole
Mio for maximum enjoyment!
The 2005 Fontalloro should
be priced near $60 a bottle....really a
bargain for a wine of this high caliber. My price
is $56.95 a
bottle.
Three pack will discount 5% to $54.10 a
bottle.
Six
pack will discount 10% to $51.26 a
bottle.
12
bottle case will discount 15% to
$48.41 a bottle (find a
friend!!)
First come, first serve and limited to
availability.
REPLY DIRECTLY TO
THIS EMAIL TO ORDER.
Don't miss the best
value of the year!! 
