QPR King: 2022 Chianti Classico from Fèlsina

The 2022 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico is the quintessential benchmark for the appellation. Hailing from the southern, warmer zone of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Fèlsina's normale bottling is anything but normal; it’s a profound and authentic expression of terroir from one of Tuscany’s most iconic estates.

This isn't a simple, fruity Chianti; it’s a serious, age-worthy wine that consistently outperforms its classification. The nose is a classic expression of Berardenga: ripe red and black cherries, dried herbs, leather, and a touch of sweet spice are framed by an underlying earthy, almost dusty minerality. The finish is long and persistent, echoing with notes of tobacco and spice. Aged in traditional large Slavonian oak casks, this is a wine that speaks more of the soil than of the cellar. A classic.

-Orazio Campoli, K&L Italian Wine Buyer

2022 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico ($19.99)

92 points James Suckling: "A well-balanced, seductive and lively red with aromas of forest berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. Its medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy berry character with a lift of spices bringing energy and vitality on the palate and onto the tactile finish." (07/2024)

92 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Red berry, dark spice, blue flower and whiffs of botanical herb form the nose on the elegant 2022 Felsina Beradenga. On the smooth, savory palate, supple tannins seamlessly support juicy Morello cherry, raspberry and white pepper before a soothing licorice finish." (07/2024)

91 points Vinous: "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs inform this potent, super-classic Chianti Classico. This is beautifully done, especially for the year. (AG)" (07/2024)

91 points Decanter: "At the southeastern end of Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina property spills into the Chianti Colli Senesi zone where, on a clear day you can see all the way to Siena, just 15km away. Harnessing its sunbathed setting, the 2022 is immediate and effusive in its charms. It evokes Maritime pine, scrubby Mediterranean brush and wild yellow broom, building in concentration as it glides fluently across the palate, where rocky minerals meet ripe strawberry. Vibrant, if a bit brisk to finish. (MM)" (02/2024)

John Downing | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2026

Felsina remains one of the top estates in the Chianti region. They have managed to successfully blend traditional methods and modern techniques with exceptional results. Their 2022 Chianti Classico represents another outstanding wine that showcases the finest qualities of Sangiovese. Rich, flavor-packed berry fruit combined with soft tannins and fresh acidity make this ideal at the dinner table and versatile with a variety of dishes. It's also excellent with firmer cheeses and lighter fare.

Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 11, 2026

Very pretty almost slightly translucent in the glass, it's just this really gorgeous kind of deep blood ruby color. Remember, you drink with your eyes first. The nose just smells super classic in the best of ways, there's this dusky bramble-fruit and cherry compote note that dominates the front and then just a little bit of tomato leaf, and a high toned bright red note in the very back that mingles and mixes with some purple florals. The palate is bright with a little bit of tobacco at the very front that quickly gives way to bright red cherry and raspberry, but also some darker notes, black cherry and a little touch of blackberry but not too much. Then the acidity takes over the palate and cleans the way through, the tannins are relatively soft and incredibly approachable, the acidity easily winning the fight. This is such a stellar and drinkable bottle for just $20, it's got everything you want your Chianti to have and has this really gorgeous purity of fruit. Such a QPR King.

Carlo Delgado | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 08, 2026

Flavors of black and red cherries, tomato vine, along with savory notes of thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Some aeration reveals hints of leather, dried leaves, and potting soil. Nicely textured tannins on the long finish. A solid, classic expression of the category with more weight on the mid-palate than other Chianti. This will pair well with a wide variety of dishes. Perfect for anyone who wants to explore one of my favorite categories.