Il Grigio (2021) - San Felice
In the heart of Tuscany, among the gentle hills of Chianti, lies the San Felice winery, keeper of a fascinating story. "Il Grigio" is not just a wine but a tribute to a legendary figure: a medieval knight known for his wisdom and indomitable spirit. The story goes that this knight, nicknamed "Il Grigio" for his gleaming armour, was a skilled diplomat, able to unite rival factions with his eloquence and charisma. San Felice set out to celebrate that spirit of unity and strength with a wine that captures the essence of Chianti Classico, bringing together tradition and innovation in a glass that tells stories of ancient times.
Il Grigio (2021) - San Felice
Type: Red Wine
Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
Grape variety: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2021
Winery: San Felice
Alcohol: 14%
The appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
The Chianti Classico DOCG is one of the most prestigious and historic appellations in Italian winemaking, established in 1716. This red wine, produced mainly from Sangiovese grapes, represents the essence of Tuscany, a region rich in tradition, breathtaking landscapes and a deeply rooted wine culture.
Find out more about Chianti Classico DOCGWhat to eat with Il Grigio
Who makes it: San Felice
San Felice is a historic winery in the heart of Tuscany, founded in 1968 with the aim of showcasing native grape varieties and local traditions. The winery takes its name from the village of the same name, a symbol of a deep bond with the land and its culture. This wine estate stands out for its passion and its commitment to producing high-quality wines. San Felice's philosophy is based on: Innovation and tradition, a combination that shapes every wine Respect for the environment, with sustainable practices in the vineyard and the cellar Quality and authenticity, wines that tell the story of the land Approachability: wines designed for every occasion
Read more about San FeliceThe vine of Il Grigio
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is one of the most important and widely planted black grape varieties in Italy, and it is the undisputed protagonist of some of the greatest Italian red wines. Grown mainly in Tuscany, but also found in other regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Umbria and the Marche, Sangiovese gives wines of great elegance, freshness and longevity.
Find out moreIl Grigio: the Chianti area
Chianti
Chianti is one of the most famous wine regions in Italy, in the heart of Tuscany. This area is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, marked by gentle hills, vineyards and olive groves. Chianti wines are known for their distinctive character and their ability to express the region's unique terroir. The main variety used to produce Chianti is Sangiovese, which gives the wines unrivalled freshness and aromatic complexity.
Find out more about ChiantiClimate: Mediterranean
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Il Grigio
Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Violet
Secondary aromas: Spices, Vanilla
Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco
Tasting notes: A Chianti Classico Riserva with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a long finish.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Well integrated |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Long |
| Colour | Ruby red |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Il Grigio
Malolactic fermentation
Malolactic fermentation is a fundamental process in winemaking, particularly used for quality white, red and sparkling wines. This method plays a key role in determining the flavour and aromatic profile of many wines, helping to make them softer, more complex and suited to long ageing.
Find out moreAlcoholic fermentation and maceration
Alcoholic fermentation and maceration is the key process in winemaking, during which the sugars in the must are turned into alcohol through the action of the yeasts. At the same time, in red wines and in some macerated whites, maceration takes place, that is contact between the must and the skins, which allows colour, tannins and aromas to be extracted.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Il Grigio
In cask (7–18 months)
Ageing in cask for between 7 and 18 months is a classic but measured approach to maturing wine. Large casks, usually Slavonian oak or untoasted French oak, allow natural micro-oxygenation, which helps the wine settle, knit together and develop a more complex, harmonious profile. This kind of ageing is widely used for terroir-driven reds and for some structured whites that are after depth without the aromatic intensity a barrique would give.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Il Grigio
- No contact with the lees