​The Sangiovese wines of Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino shine brightly in the Tuscan region of Central Italy but they’ve also garnered many fans here in the US.  So expressive, and food-friendly, they belong in everyone’s Best Wines category.  This year, San Felice has nominated two wines for your drinking pleasure, as you watch celebrities walk the champagne-colored carpet at the 95th Academy Awards this Sunday, March 12th.

San Felice estate, Courtesy of San Felice

San Felice has been a work in progress for almost fifty years.  In the 1970’s, the Allianz Group purchased and renovated the estate, focusing on wine-making excellence.  They replanted and expanded the estate vineyards that are located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, about 12 miles east of Siena, considered the heart of Chianti Classico.  For hundreds of years, the Sangiovese wines of this region have won acclaim, reaching the pinnacle of success starting in the 1980’s, with Brunello di Montalcino, made from the large berried clone, Sangiovese Grosso.  In fact, Brunello translates to “little dark one” to differentiate it from Chianti Classico wines.

Campogiovanni Brunello vineyard, Courtesy of San Felice

San Felice estate Chianti Classico vineyard, Courtesy of San Felice

​You might ask, what are the differences between the two Sangiovese wines?  Brunello is grown in the warmer, southern part of Tuscany, on limestone soils, which translates to more power and ripeness, with darker fruit and firmer tannins, which require longer aging in oak casks.  Chianti Classico wines are produced in the classic region of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena, and are grown on different soils, a mix of shale and clay, which give rise to higher acidity and more finesse in the wines.  They are aged for a shorter time and can be consumed sooner because of their more delicate nature.

The San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2019 is made from only the best grapes in their Chianti Classico vineyards, using a blend of traditional and modern wine making techniques.  This precise production yields well-balanced wines that can be drunk within three years but can also cellar for a much longer time.  The front label displays the Renaissance painter Titian’s famous portrait of a medieval knight, "Man in Armour".

​My experience, open the Il Grigio 20-30 minutes before drinking, and the aromas and flavors will blossom, becoming more beautiful an hour later.  A beautiful ruby red color, intense aromas of wild red berries and violets wind around the core of this full-bodied wine with a leaner flavor profile.  There is definitely a high-toned tangy acidity at its heart, with firm tannins that meld into the long finish.  Begging for food initially, my perfect pairing was Penne Rigate with a meat sauce, and as time passed, the wine’s flavors took on a richness and smoothness that was delightful.

​The San Felice Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 is made from fruit grown in the Campogiovanni vineyard, located on the south side of the Montalcino hill.  Produced in a classic style, aged three years in large Slavonian oak casks plus extra time in bottle, it is only released after five years, just the beginning of the wine’s extraordinary life.  Intoxicating aromas of ripe wild berries, baked plum, blackberry preserves, sweet spice, forest floor, tobacco and leather mingle with a complex savory palate, yielding a rich mouthfeel, generous body, fine tannins and long finish, perfect with grilled steak, wild game and boar, or aged Pecorino cheese.  The wine becomes deeper in flavor the longer it is open, seductive in its finesse and longevity as the time passes.  Campogiovanni has won a spot in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines list five times, classically beautiful and so very expressive!

And the winner is … Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2017!  Sipping a glass of this magnificent Tuscan beauty while watching the Oscars brings this legendary wine to the world stage.  Although Campogiovanni is not a nominee among the Oscars glitterati, it will bring class and elegance to any Awards party you might throw or attend.  Time to shine the spotlight on San Felice’s Sangiovese wine stars, Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino and Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva!