San Felice Winery Review

History of the Winery

San Felice is rooted in the historic village from which it takes its name, a medieval hamlet restored and developed over decades into both a winery and a broader agritourism estate. The winery’s modern era began in the 1970s, with a focus on elevating the potential of native varieties, especially Sangiovese. Over time, the estate expanded to include Campogiovanni in Montalcino and Bell’Aja in Bolgheri, each contributing to San Felice’s reputation as a multi-regional Tuscan producer with a research-driven approach.

Much of the winery’s trajectory has been shaped by its long-time winemaker, Leonardo Bellaccini, who championed local varietals and site-specific expression. His retirement marked a significant transition, prompting the winery to bring in new leadership and outside expertise.

Winemaker

After the 2023 retirement of longtime winemaker Leonardo Bellaccini, the winemaking team is now led by Francesca Giuggioli, supported by consultant Thomas Duclos, a Bordeaux-based enologist known for his methodical focus on precision, purity, and terroir definition. Duclos’ involvement signals a continued commitment to refinement across all three San Felice estates, with an eye toward enhancing balance and site transparency. The team’s aim appears to be a tightened stylistic profile, without losing the Tuscan character central to the brand.

The Property

Located about 15 kilometers northeast of Siena, the estate sits at elevation on marl and limestone soils typical of the southern Chianti Classico zone. The site includes over 140 hectares of vineyards, along with olive groves and woodlands, and a research vineyard focused on rediscovering nearly forgotten Tuscan grape varieties. The property includes both indoor and outdoor seating for tastings, along with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A visit here benefits from a reservation, especially during peak seasons.

Highlights of Our Wine Tasting

2021 Pugnitello Toscana IGT – 100% Pugnitello
A varietal bottling of a rare indigenous grape revived through San Felice’s ampelographic project. Deeply colored and compact on the palate, this wine offers dark plum and black cherry notes layered with dried herbs and a touch of clove. Tannins are firm but not austere, showing good integration with the wine’s moderate acidity. There’s a slightly earthy tone beneath the fruit, hinting at iron and forest floor. Persistent but not weighty, it’s a distinctive expression with aging potential.

2020 Vigorello Rosso Toscana IGT – Pugnitello 35% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Petit Verdot 5%
Originally released in the 1960s as one of Tuscany’s earliest Super Tuscan blends, Vigorello continues to evolve. This vintage presents a dense, structured profile, with concentrated blackcurrant, blackberry, and graphite notes. The Pugnitello component adds a rustic, savory edge, while the Bordeaux varieties contribute polished tannins and a touch of cedar. There’s notable depth and balance here, with a tapered finish that keeps the wine lifted. A confident, age-worthy style that stands out in the lineup.

2020 Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 100% Sangiovese
This single-vineyard Gran Selezione highlights Sangiovese from calcareous clay soils at elevation. The 2020 vintage shows red cherry, pomegranate, and subtle floral tones, supported by fine-grained tannins and a lifted acidity. Oak is present but restrained, framing rather than leading the wine’s expression. There’s a precision to the mid-palate, where tart fruit and mineral tension come into focus. It’s already expressive but promises more detail with cellaring.

Conclusion

San Felice continues to evolve its identity, balancing tradition with innovation across its core estate and satellite vineyards. The recent changes in winemaking leadership, alongside a growing focus on site and varietal precision, suggest a thoughtful path forward. With a mix of historical depth and contemporary refinement, the wines are showing both polish and distinction, particularly in bottlings like Vigorello and Poggio Rosso. For visitors to southern Chianti Classico, the estate offers not only strong wines but a clear sense of place.