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Fèlsina: Fruit sources for Rancia and Fontalloro
Fèlsina is a producer based in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, making wines centered on Sangiovese. Both Rancia and Fontalloro had their first vintages in 1983. While both are 100% of the same variety, the sources of fruit and their display names differ.
Both Rancia and Fontalloro are 100% Sangiovese. What distinguishes them besides variety? Consider the vineyard areas and winemaking side by side.
Questions for this course
Why do labels show different appellations even though they are made with 100% of the same variety?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
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To explanation task notes ↓Fèlsina / Learning from Producers
Italy / Tuscany / Castelnuovo Berardenga
Other names & notations: Fèlsina / フェルシナ / Felsina / Fontalloro / Rancia
Update date: 2026-09-27
Rancia comes from vineyards in Chianti Classico
Rancia is a Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG made from 100% Sangiovese from the Rancia vineyard of the same name. The reference shows the source for Poggio a Rancia. Rather than grouping all the producer's wines together, first clarify which site this label represents.
Fontalloro uses fruit from two regions.
Fontalloro is also 100% Sangiovese, but the source vineyards cross through both Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi, and it is labeled Toscana IGT. Assuming IGT means international blends doesn’t explain this wine. Compare not only the variety, but also the scope of fruit sourcing.
Shared fermentation, but different use of barrels
In the official general technical description, both undergo maceration in stainless steel tanks for 16–20 days. Afterwards, Lancia matures for 18–20 months in new French oak barriques, and Fontalloro for 18–22 months in a combination of new and once-used barrels. Understanding both the similarities and differences in process, not just the labeling, aids comprehension.
What to align and what to compare.
Grape variety and geography.
- Conditions to standardize
- 100% Sangiovese
- Conditions for comparison.
- The vineyards of Rancia and Fontalloro, which spans two regions
- Additional points to confirm
- Are you assuming that IGT necessarily means the use of international varieties?
Maceration
- Conditions to standardize
- Official general technical explanation
- Conditions for comparison.
- Both spend 16–20 days in stainless steel tanks
- Additional points to confirm
- Are you conflating number of months barrel aged with other factors?
Barrel
- Conditions to standardize
- French oak barriques
- Conditions for comparison.
- Differences between using only new barrels, mixing with used barrels, and maturation periods
- Additional points to confirm
- If comparing specific years, is there data available broken down by year?
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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Interpreting Fèlsina data: fruit source ranges for Rancia and Fontalloro
Compare the stated conditions in the documentation. Numbers specifying vintages should be treated as information for that specific year.
This summarizes materials published by producers, regional groups, and importers. Each source includes the publisher and the date the material was checked.
| Comparison items | What can be determined from the materials | Ability to distinguish by reading |
|---|---|---|
| Lancia | 100% Sangiovese, Ranchia vineyard, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG | 18–20 months in new French oak barrels |
| Fontalloro | 100% Sangiovese, vineyards from two regions, Toscana IGT | 18–22 months in new and used French oak barrels |
| Common process | Maceration in stainless steel tank for 16–20 days | Separate from the number of months barrel aged. General technical explanation without a specified year. |
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Read the explanation for each question
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What is the grape composition shared by both wines?
According to official documents, both Ranchia and Fontalloro are 100% Sangiovese. You should not infer that grape varieties differ just because one is DOCG and the other is IGT. In this example, the key point is the differences in the range of vineyards from which grapes are sourced.
What are the sources of grapes for Fontalloro?
Fontalloro’s vineyards span two regions and the wine is labeled Toscana IGT. Though Fontalloro is Sangiovese just like Rancia, the sources of fruit differ. Do not equate IGT with just quality ranking or the use of international grapes; consider location.
Which process steps are shared in the official general technical description?
Both share 16–20 days of skin contact in stainless steel tanks. However, barrel use history and maturation period explanations differ. By separating fermentation/maceration from barrel maturation, you can see that parts of the process may be shared even if appellations differ.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Please explain differences in raw materials and winemaking by reading the table and sources.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Comparison items | What can be determined from the materials | Ability to distinguish by reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancia | 100% Sangiovese, Ranchia vineyard, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG | 18–20 months in new French oak barrels | |
| Fontalloro | 100% Sangiovese, vineyards from two regions, Toscana IGT | 18–22 months in new and used French oak barrels | |
| Common process | Maceration in stainless steel tank for 16–20 days | Separate from the number of months barrel aged. General technical explanation without a specified year. |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Please compare Lancia and Fontalloro in terms of varieties, permitted raw materials, appellations, and barrel aging.
Check after writing
- According to official documents, both Ranchia and Fontalloro are 100% Sangiovese. You should not infer that grape varieties differ just because one is DOCG and the other is IGT. In this example, the key point is the differences in the range of vineyards from which grapes are sourced.
- Fontalloro’s vineyards span two regions and the wine is labeled Toscana IGT. Though Fontalloro is Sangiovese just like Rancia, the sources of fruit differ. Do not equate IGT with just quality ranking or the use of international grapes; consider location.
- Both share 16–20 days of skin contact in stainless steel tanks. However, barrel use history and maturation period explanations differ. By separating fermentation/maceration from barrel maturation, you can see that parts of the process may be shared even if appellations differ.
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