Our Rating
Tuscany
Pugnitello
San Felice led the modern rediscovery of Pugnitello through its in-house Vitiarium research with the Universities of Florence and Pisa, rescuing the grape from near extinction. The name (Italian for “little fist”) alludes to the tight, clenched cluster shape. As a solo bottling, the wine shows why the estate invested decades into the project: identity, concentration, and a savory, mineral edge. (San Felice)
Based in Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena), San Felice balances Chianti Classico tradition with R&D into native varieties and sustainability initiatives. The estate publicly documents its focus on biodiversity work—Pugnitello features not only here but also in blends such as Vigorello. This research-driven posture underpins the precision seen across the range. (San Felice)
Fruit is drawn from estate parcels around San Felice on medium-textured, calcareous marls derived from alberese and galestro, with abundant gravel/pebble material. These soils and exposures promote ripeness without sacrificing freshness, helping explain the wine’s combination of weight and line. The site specifics are consistent with the estate’s technical notes across recent vintages. (XtraWine)
Fermentation runs 20–25 days on skins at roughly 30 °C, followed by malolactic. Élevage is 18–20 months in 225-L French oak barriques, then ≈8 months in bottle before release, yielding a polished but not overtly oaky texture. Typical production is limited, with the cuvée positioned as a flagship for the variety. (XtraWine)
Regional summaries describe 2021 as a high-quality year with reduced yields and healthy fruit, resulting in concentrated reds that retain freshness. The estate’s own “vintage characteristics” note a regular seasonal pattern, aligning with the poised profile here. In short: structure and polish without heaviness. (Italian Wine Central, San Felice)
Appearance. Deep garnet with a viscous rim; the color saturation signals concentration while remaining clear and bright. The visual impression matches the wine’s full-bodied stance.
Aromas. Medium-plus notes of black cherry, black currant, blackberry, and plum are laced with leather, lavender, and baking-spice tones of cinnamon and black pepper. Alcohol reads medium-plus but integrated.
Palate. Dry and full-bodied with medium acidity and a firm but polished feel to the tannins. Black-fruit flavors lead—black cherry, cassis, blackberry—joined by olive and lavender, with oak fully absorbed into the frame.
Finish. Long and savory, tapering on mineral and dark-fruit echoes over fine tannins. The balance is confident and composed.
A persuasive argument for the grape’s comeback: San Felice Pugnitello 2021 marries dark-fruit richness to mineral poise and fine structure. Enjoy its sheen now or follow it through 2025–2035 as the savory detail builds and the contours round in bottle.
Italy
Tuscany
Pugnitello
13.5
Leonardo Bellaccini
2-3 Hours
Now - 2035
San Felice
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