Felsina: Chianti Classico with a Focus on Precision and Place

History of the Winery

Felsina was founded in 1966 by Domenico Poggiali and gradually expanded into a multigenerational estate with deep roots in the southeastern reaches of Chianti Classico. The focus from the beginning was clear: to highlight the diversity of the terrain and to give Sangiovese, known locally as Sangioveto, a platform to express site-driven nuance. With vineyard studies dating back decades, Felsina’s team has mapped out the distinctive qualities of each plot, adapting clonal material accordingly.

This methodical approach took hold with the second generation and has since been carried forward by Giuseppe Poggiali and his son Giovanni, who represents the third generation. While the estate maintains a strong foundation in traditional Chianti Classico production, its outlook has always leaned toward innovation within the boundaries of terroir.

Winemaker

Franco Bernabei serves as consulting oenologist. Best known for his foundational role in Enoproject, Bernabei has been instrumental in shaping modern Tuscan winemaking through a vineyard-first approach. His focus on varietal integrity and terroir fidelity aligns closely with Felsina’s long-term vision.

Bernabei’s influence across Italy is wide-reaching, but his work in Tuscany, particularly with Sangiovese, has received consistent recognition. He has overseen numerous projects emphasizing restraint, structure, and varietal purity, avoiding over-extraction and overly internationalized profiles. His work with Felsina supports a style that is expressive without exaggeration.

The Property

Felsina’s estate stretches across more than 1,200 acres, with vineyards occupying 90 hectares at altitudes ranging from 350 to 420 meters. These elevations, combined with a mix of clay and alberese soils, provide varied microclimates that support a range of Sangiovese expressions. The diversity of exposures and soil types across Castelnuovo Berardenga has become central to Felsina’s vineyard management strategy.

The southeast location of the estate, on the edge of the Chianti Classico boundary, lends itself to fuller-bodied Sangiovese with more structure than typically found in central parts of the appellation. Still, careful clonal matching and canopy management help preserve freshness and lift, even in warmer vintages.

Tasting Options

Tastings are available by reservation and take place in a setting that offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the surrounding countryside. A standard tasting is priced at $25, while a guided tour with tasting costs $35.

Visitors can expect a concise yet informative experience centered around the estate’s core expressions. The focus remains on Chianti Classico and its Riserva bottlings, with occasional offerings of limited-production selections.

Conclusion

Felsina delivers a grounded, varietal-driven expression of Chianti Classico rooted in detailed vineyard study and restrained winemaking. With Franco Bernabei’s guidance, the wines emphasize structure, site transparency, and long-term potential. For those seeking a more architectural take on Sangiovese, anchored in the southernmost reaches of the denomination, Felsina remains a compelling stop.