Varietal: Sangiovese
95 Points Wine Advocate
The Fèlsina 2017 Fontalloro pours out of the bottle with a bang. This pure expression of Sangiovese is luscious and dark with thick layers of dark fruit, plum, cherry, leather and tilled earth. This hot-vintage edition shows good depth and intensity with lots of that black-fruit energy and extra concentration that is typical of this growing season. However, you can always count on Fontalloro to show balance, and that's exactly what you get here despite the adversity of the scorching summer season. That Sangiovese acidity remains intact and crisp.
95 Points Vinous
Fontalloro is exquisite in 2017. It is also such a contrast to the Rancia, as the two wines could not possibly be more different. Fontalloro is bright and vibrant, with more sweet red Sangiovese character than the darker Rancia. It is also incredibly delicious now, even though it clearly has the energy to age for many years. The 2017 is one of the finest Fontalloros I can remember tasting.
94 Points James Suckling
I like the clarity and linear quality to this with ripe-cherry and bark flavors. It’s full-bodied, though not heavy and ponderous. Racy and bright at the end.
93 Points Decanter
In the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Fèlsina property spills over the Chianti Classico border into Chianti Colli Senesi. Fontalloro is a blend of vineyards from both sides. Artfully tousled, it captures Sangiovese's untamed side. Sunbaked herbs and irony earth permeate exuberant wild berries. There is plenty to chew on without being heavy and while tannins are a bit gritty, this has a ton of personality.
93 Points Wine Spectator
The flavors of cherry, strawberry and rose are pure, with a backbone of acidity and dense tannins for support. Iron and wild herb accents add depth as this red lingers, showing smoke and spice notes. Features a sense of urgency, driven by vivid acidity. The finish evokes energy. (BS) (10/2020)
Winemaker Notes
Ruby red color with rich and intense tones. Variety of aromatic herbs accentuated with generous notes of tobacco and wet earth (dry earth, as well), black currant and licorice. The palate manifests good consistency of medium-smooth tannins to ensure the lengthy ageing. Rich structure and weight and elegant breed on the finish. Optimum cellar life in all vintages.
