2022 San Felice "In Avane" Chardonnay, Toscana IGT, Italy

ABOUT THE WINE

In Avane is produced at Tenuta San Felice in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, from a blend based predominantly on Chardonnay. The vineyards grow on medium-textured, rocky soils dominated by calcareous marl and clay derived from the decomposition of Alberese and Galestro, classic geological formations of the Chianti area. The vines are trained to spur-pruned cordon.

The name “In Avane” derives from Avenal, an Etruscan name connected to the area and a reference to the ancient Etruscan presence in San Felice’s territory. San Felice considers the bottling its finest expression of Chardonnay, marrying an international grape with the distinctive soils and cultural history of Tuscany.

For the 2022 vintage, high summer temperatures were moderated by rainfall in mid-August, helping the grapes complete ripening under favorable conditions. Harvest took place during the first week of September, with grapes picked by hand into boxes during the cool morning hours. A cold pre-fermentation maceration at 8°C preceded fermentation, which occurred predominantly in stainless steel with a portion fermented in small oak barrels. The wine subsequently rested for several months in bottle before release. At 12.5% alcohol, with 5.7 g/L total acidity and less than 0.5 g/L residual sugar, it combines richness with a decidedly dry, fresh profile. San Felice suggests a cellaring window of approximately 5–8 years.

The wine’s combination of citrus, floral aromatics, creamy texture, and salinity makes it versatile at the table. Serve around 12°C (54°F) with sushi, seafood, grilled or roasted fish, risotto, light pasta dishes, poultry, or other white meats.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

San Felice is a historic Tuscan estate based in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southeastern reaches of Chianti Classico. The property combines the traditions of an old agricultural borgo with an unusually strong commitment to viticultural research and experimentation. Over time, San Felice has expanded its work beyond Chianti Classico to include estates in Montalcino and Bolgheri, giving the producer a presence in three of Tuscany’s most celebrated winegrowing areas.

One of San Felice’s defining qualities is its willingness to explore Tuscany’s viticultural diversity rather than concentrating solely on established varieties and styles. Its research has included extensive work with lesser-known indigenous grapes, most famously helping revive Pugnitello, while wines such as In Avane demonstrate a parallel interest in understanding how international varieties can express Tuscan terroir.

That combination of tradition, experimentation, and respect for place is central to San Felice’s identity. In Avane captures the philosophy from a white-wine perspective: Chardonnay shaped by limestone-rich Tuscan soils, handled with a measured combination of stainless steel and oak, and crafted to emphasize freshness and site rather than overt richness.