Research
Tradition & science
Scientific research and experimentation have by now enjoyed a lengthy history at San Felice. Beginning in 1968, Enzo Morganti, a respected expert in sangiovese and one of the leaders in the Chianti-area wine world, gave significant impetus to modernisation in viticulture and winemaking.
In the same year, Vigorello was first released; as a 100% sangiovese wine, it was meant as a challenge to those who still blended white grapes into sangiovese, a practice still sanctioned at that time by the Chianti production code. This monvarietal sangiovese soon welcomed in cabernet suvignon, the variety which would soon contribute so much to the growth and fortunes of Tuscan wines.
Slowly, Vigorello morphed into a more international style, but its popularlity continues to this day.
In 1974, experimental research began on the Poggio Rosso property, where plantings were carried out of sangiovese, but also some rows of colorino. That variety still plays a role in the final blend of the wine of the same name.
Thus, San Felice’s research activities continue on in its experimental vineyards, year after year, with the primary goal of developing further the qualities inherent in sangiovese. But there are other goals as well, including: study the behaviour in the Chianti area of non-Tuscan grapes; re-grafting vines; clonal selection for studying certain other native varieties.
These are very sophisticated projects that Agricola San Felice has designed and carries forward, all with the expection of seeing positive results emerge that will improve its winegowing and will improve even further the excellence that has always distinguished San Felice.
