2018 Fattoria di Fèlsina, Fontalloro, Toscano $72

Winery Info: Fèlsina is based in Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region where they are credited with producing one of the top ranges of ageworthy and complex Chiantis in the country.    

They have always adhered to classic traditions and grow only Sangiovese, never blending in international grapes, regardless of passing trends. In addition to their almost Brunello-like Chiantis, they also produce one of Italy’s most highly regarded Vino di Tavolas (or IGTs),” Fontalloro.

Grapes: 100% Sangiovese from 50-plus year-old vines. Aged 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels.

Vineyard: From three top vineyards that straddle the border between Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi. The Poggio al Sole vineyard, in the Chianti Classico appellation, lies in the highest area of Fèlsina, with stony, calcareous soil, while the Casalino and Arcidossino vineyards, in Chianti Colli Senesi, are lower, with sandy, loamy soil, pebbles, and marine sediment.

Flavor Profile: Influenced by the diverse character of its vineyard sources, this is a very complex wine, with great depth, intensity, and structure. It is aromatic, with notes of dark cherry, wet earth, and savory herbs. With amazing minerality and medium smooth tannins that will continue to soften as the wine ages.

Availability: This wine should be in decent supply through the spring.

Drinking Window: Give it a couple of years if you can, then enjoy anytime up to 2030.

Food Pairing: A classic wine for Tuscan beef, or savory fare such as pork or mushroom dishes.

2020 Sandhi, Central Coast Chardonnay, $28

Winery Info: Sandhi is a small production California winery with a focus on fruit from the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara. It was founded in 2010 by Rajat Parr, James Beard award-winning author and celebrated sommelier, along with highly acclaimed winemaker Sashi Moorman. (They also own Oregon’s Evening Land Winery, and are now sole stewards of Seven Springs Vineyard, one of the top vineyards in the Willamette Valley.) For Sandhi, they carefully select vineyard sites for their character and personality in order to produce wines of utmost finesse, minerality, structure, and balance.

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Vineyard: Sourced from a number of vineyards, including Domaine de la Côte Estate, Bien Nacido, Phelan Farm, and Talley, with a wide range of microclimates and soils, all farmed without the use of herbicides or chemical fertilizers, which they feel produces wines with more energy and complexity.

Flavor Profile: This wine is crafted to show the character and depth a Central Coast Chard can achieve when it is sourced wisely and crafted with integrity. It is rich, pretty, and balanced, with notes of orchard fruit, a touch of spice, a hint of nuttiness, and fresh, underlying acidity.

Availability: This vintage was just recently released and is in good supply at the moment.

Drinking Window: Ready to drink now, or anytime over the next few years.

Food Pairing: Try it with mushroom risotto. Or with raw seafood such as oysters or sushi, sautéed fish, moules frites, or chicken piccata.