The history of the San Felice label is deeply intertwined with the ancient Tuscan landscape and viticultural tradition. Its Origins trace back to the 8th century AD, named after a church on the property, which itself took its name from an early Christian saint. For centuries, the estate functioned as a noble landholding, where wine production was a time-honored but perhaps secondary activity to the land ownership.
A pivotal moment in the label’s commercial Origins occurred when the Grisaldi del Taja family became proprietors in the 18th century. They eventually became founding members of the Chianti Classico Consortium in 1924, signaling a commitment to quality winemaking. However, the true modern transformation of the San Felice label was yet to come, requiring both vision and substantial investment.
The most dramatic phase of evolution began in 1968 when the estate came under the leadership of wine pioneer Enzo Morganti. Morganti revolutionized the estate by focusing intensely on high-quality production and scientific research. This era gave birth to a revolutionary wine that became central to San Felice’s identity: Vigorello, a 100% Sangiovese classified as the first-ever “Supertuscan” from the Chianti Classico area.
This bold move marked a significant departure from tradition and established the label’s reputation for innovation alongside quality. The Origins of the Supertuscan category, driven by San Felice, challenged rigid winemaking rules, ultimately contributing to the modernization and global acclaim of Tuscan wines. It positioned San Felice as a research-driven, not just tradition-bound, producer.
Further defining the label’s evolution was the establishment of the Vitiarium in the 1980s. This experimental vineyard project was initiated to preserve and study hundreds of ancient, nearly extinct native Tuscan grape varieties. This project highlights the Origins of their modern commitment to biodiversity and genetic improvement in Italian viticulture.
Since 1978, the estate has been owned by the Allianz insurance group, which has invested heavily in both the wine business and the accompanying hospitality venture, the Borgo San Felice. This corporate backing has ensured the winery’s financial stability and facilitated continued research and expansion into other premier Tuscan zones.
The label’s present-day evolution centers on sustainable and regenerative viticulture, reflecting current global values. New wine collections are launched with modern, architecturally designed labels that narrate the estate’s complex history. This balance of respecting deep Origins and embracing a contemporary aesthetic defines the brand today.
In conclusion, the San Felice label is a powerful record of history, blending medieval roots with pioneering modern winemaking. Its journey from a modest church-named estate to a leader in research and Supertuscan creation demonstrates a consistent pursuit of excellence and innovation in one of the world’s most revered wine regions .