FELSINA ‘MAESTRO RARO’ R

FÈLSINA ‘MAESTRO RARO’ R

Fèlsina ‘Maestro Raro’ is a distinguished Tuscan expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing how this internationally renowned variety can take on a distinctly elegant and terroir-driven character in Castelnuovo Berardenga. Produced as a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, the wine comes from the Rancia Piccola and Poggiolo vineyards, where Fèlsina has carefully selected clones suited to the estate’s distinctive soils. First produced in 1987, Maestro Raro is crafted from hand-harvested grapes and undergoes a controlled fermentation and extended maceration before being matured in French oak. The wine spends approximately 18–20 months in French-oak barrels, followed by at least 8–10 months of bottle ageing, allowing its fruit, structure and oak complexity to integrate beautifully.

In the glass, Maestro Raro presents a deep, intense red colour with elegant violet and purple reflections. The nose is rich and complex, revealing layers of ripe black berries, blackberry, blackcurrant and dark cherry, followed by expressive nuances of tobacco, leather and black tea. With time in the glass, deeper notes of cedar, sweet spice, liquorice, cocoa and polished new oak begin to emerge, adding further sophistication. Subtle earthy and smoky undertones contribute to the wine’s depth while maintaining a refined, fruit-focused profile without excessive herbal or vegetal character.

On the palate, Maestro Raro is full-bodied, warm, concentrated and beautifully harmonious. Dark berry and blackcurrant flavours form the core, accompanied by blackberry, plum and dark cherry. Layers of tobacco, leather, black tea, liquorice, cocoa and subtle spice develop across the palate, while carefully integrated French oak contributes nuances of vanilla, cedar, toast and gentle roasted spice. The wine possesses a firm yet polished tannic structure, balanced by fresh acidity that gives definition and energy to its generous body. Its combination of richness, elegance and savoury complexity creates a distinctly Tuscan interpretation of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The finish is long, persistent and refined, leaving lingering impressions of dark berries, tobacco, leather, black tea, liquorice and subtle oak spice. Its generous structure and balanced acidity provide excellent length, while bottle ageing can further develop complex tertiary notes of dried herbs, leather, tobacco, earth and cedar. Maestro Raro is a powerful wine with the elegance and persistence expected from a serious, age-worthy Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon.

Food Pairing: Maestro Raro is an excellent partner for rich, deeply flavoured dishes and grilled meats. Pair it with dry-aged ribeye, filet mignon, roast beef, beef tenderloin, lamb shoulder, braised short ribs and venison. It also complements Tuscan preparations such as wild-boar ragù, roasted game, truffle and mushroom dishes, grilled meats and hearty slow-cooked recipes. For cheese, serve alongside aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano or other mature hard cheeses that can match the wine’s structure and savoury character.

Serving Suggestion: Serve at approximately 16–18°C to reveal the wine’s dark fruit, tobacco, oak and savoury complexity. A young bottle benefits from 45–60 minutes of breathing or decanting, allowing its tannins and oak to integrate and its aromatic layers to open. Mature vintages should be decanted more gently if necessary. Serve in a generous Bordeaux-style red wine glass to give the Cabernet Sauvignon sufficient space to express its depth, structure and long, elegant finish.