Have you ever wondered what it really means to “make an impression” with a great classic without sounding trite? Chianti Classico Borgo di San Felice is the answer: a wine that tastes of history but speaks a direct and modern language. Perfect for those looking for substance in their glass. We are in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern part of the Chianti Classico area. Here, the Tuscan landscape shows itself in all its wild yet orderly beauty. Borgo di San Felice is a real medieval village transformed into a centre of oenological excellence. The Black Rooster symbol on the label guarantees that the grapes come exclusively from the historic Chianti area between Siena and Florence. A designation that imposes strict rules to protect an identity made up of elegance and longevity. The protagonist of Bergo is Sangiovese, accompanied by a touch of Pugnitello, a native grape variety recovered by the winery that owes its name to the shape of the bunch, similar to a small closed fist. Pugnitello adds colour, structure and a strong character that makes the blend unique. The vines grow on medium-textured soils, rich in skeleton, i.e. stones and minerals derived from the disintegration of Alberese and Galestro. These elements ensure perfect drainage and give the wine a distinctive minerality. Vinification takes place in steel for about two weeks, with the two varieties processed separately to respect their respective timings. Ageing then continues for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. This passage in large wood serves to smooth the wine without covering the fruit, keeping its original fragrance intact. In the glass, it has a lively and deep ruby red colour. The nose is a treat for those who love clean aromas: notes of marasca cherry and wild berries stand out, accompanied by delicate hints of sweet violet. In the mouth, it is decisive but retains a surprising freshness. The tannins are sweet and well integrated, not at all aggressive. The finish is long, balanced and leaves a very pleasant fruity memory. It is a wine that never tires, on the contrary, one sip leads to another. At the table, it is the ideal companion for local cuisine. Try it with a Florentine steak or chicken livers. It is also excellent with a platter of aged Tuscan pecorino cheese. For a more homely pairing, try it with pasta with wild boar ragù: a match made in heaven.