Felsina Fontalloro 2016 12L

Felsina Fontalloro 2016 in the rare 12L Balthazar format is a collector’s dream: an iconic pure Sangiovese that captures the very best of Tuscany in a single, monumental bottle. Widely considered one of the greatest vintages of Fontalloro ever released, the 2016 stands out for its balance of power, precision and age‑worthy elegance. This is a benchmark Tuscan red that bridges tradition and modern finesse, crafted to evolve beautifully over decades.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Fontalloro shows a deep, vibrant ruby color with garnet reflections just beginning to emerge, hinting at its evolution and depth. The nose is complex and layered, with precise notes of black cherry, wild berry and plum intertwined with tar, licorice, tobacco leaf, camphor, resin and exotic Indian spice. Subtle hints of dried herbs, cedar, and warm earth underline its classic Tuscan character. On the palate, the wine is both powerful and refined, with more volume and textural richness than many previous vintages, yet a remarkable sense of focus and linearity. Fine, chalky tannins frame flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, anise, and balsamic tones, while savory notes of leather, graphite and spice build in the background. The acidity is bright and incisive, giving the wine lift and length and promising a long, graceful evolution. In this 2016 vintage, Fontalloro shows superb aging potential: it will reward patient cellaring for 10–20 years or more, especially in this large-format 12L bottle, which naturally slows the maturation curve.

Production
Fontalloro is Fèlsina’s flagship Sangiovese, sourced from estate vineyards that straddle the border between Chianti Classico and the Chianti Colli Senesi zone in southern Tuscany. These sites sit on a mix of galestro (shaly marl), sandstone and rocky limestone soils, at varying elevations that ensure excellent drainage and significant day–night temperature swings, ideal for developing aromatic complexity and structure. Grapes are hand‑harvested parcel by parcel, with careful selection in the vineyard and at the winery. After fermentation in temperature‑controlled stainless steel with regular pump‑overs and maceration to extract color and fine tannins, the wine is aged in a combination of French and Slavonian oak barriques and larger casks, typically for around 18 months, followed by extended bottle aging. The 2016 vintage was particularly favorable, allowing for slow, even ripening and a beautifully balanced, concentrated expression of Sangiovese.

Food & Serving
This 2016 Fontalloro is a superb partner for rich, savory dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, slow‑braised beef or lamb, game birds, ossobuco and dishes featuring truffles or wild mushrooms. Aged pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano and other hard Italian cheeses also make excellent companions. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic detail and freshness. Given the wine’s structure and youth in this vintage—especially in a 12L Balthazar—decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended now, and even longer as it continues to gain complexity with age.

Producer
Founded in 1966 near Castelnuovo Berardenga, Fèlsina has become one of Tuscany’s most respected estates and a reference point for pure, terroir‑driven Sangiovese. Sitting at the southeastern edge of the Chianti Classico zone, the winery helped redefine the region’s reputation by focusing on low yields, meticulous vineyard work and a deep respect for traditional varieties. Fontalloro, first released in the 1980s, quickly achieved cult status as one of the great Sangiovese bottlings of Italy and played a key role in elevating Tuscan wines on the international stage. Today, Fèlsina is consistently praised by critics and collectors alike for its age‑worthy, characterful reds that marry classical structure with modern precision.

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