San Felice
The church’s history begins in the Etruscan era, runs through the Papacy, is fought over by the municipalities of Florence and Siena, and sees frequent changes of hands between local families. The last of these were the Grisaldi Del Taja, who were among the founders of the Consorzio del Chianti Classico in the first half of the 20th century. The early 1970s mark the beginning of a new development model: the estate was bought by the Allianz Group, which set its sights on enological and territorial excellence. The village was fully and painstakingly restored, through a series of works that accentuated its characteristic art and architecture. An extensive programme of vine replantation was launched with a view to bringing out the best in the predominant Sangiovese. The project was complemented by a scientific study of indigenous vines, in partnership with the universities of Florence and Pisa. In 1982, the Group also purchased the Campogiovanni estate, comprising 20 hectares of vineyard on the slopes of Montalcino, another territory associated with the highest tradition of viticulture and winemaking. Today, the Borgo and Agricola San Felice are two successful organisations with a single heart, which combines tradition and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the San Felice winery located and in what area of Chianti does it produce?
San Felice is based in a small hamlet in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the heart of Chianti Classico. The place's origins are extremely old, dating back to 714 AD, with the Pieve di San Felice in Pincis at its heart.
Who founded the San Felice winery? What group does it belong to today?
The winery made its first wine in 1968, Vigorello, among the very first Supertuscans due to the absence of white grapes then required by Chianti's production rules. In 1978 it became part of the Allianz Group, which has continued its development on a 650-hectare estate.
What wine represents the San Felice winery? Where does its name come from?
Chianti Classico Il Grigio, born in 1969, represents the winery's finest expression of the appellation. The name comes from Gregorio Vecelio, father of the painter Titian and captain of the Centuria di Pieve di Cadore, nicknamed 'il Grigio' ('the Grey One').


