Riecine

Here it is, the impressive first Gran Selezione from Riecine, showing more grace than muscle and delivering a Riecine-typical and very precise Burgundian interpretation of the Sangiovese grape.

The grapes come from the single vineyard of the same name in a 2.25 hectare Chianti Classico vineyard planted in 1971 with a density of 3,400 vines per hectare and situated on old terraces facing south. Riecine has leased these plots since the 1980s, and now the winery has managed to purchase this site, which is one of the best terroirs in the Chianti Classico area. So it is only logical that the 50th anniversary of the winery and the outstanding 2019 vintage should mark the debut of the new top wine. The bottles are numbered, just 3,233 0.Liters and 50 magnum bottles were bottled.

Spicy bouquet, delicate accents of vanilla and toasted bread that combine with notes of cherry, strawberry and violet. Rich in the mouth, with a solid structure and a long, polished final characterised by fruit, Mediterranean grass and a mineral note. Develops wonderfully - and should be one of the best Gran Selezione of the vintage "right off the bat". Congratulations on the anniversary! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a gently brightening rim. Expressive nose, clear, initially of fine wild strawberries and some raspberries, red currants and delicate vegetal aromas in the aftertaste. Shows extremely elegant and polished on the palate, with tightly meshed, pithy tannin, very juicy on the back end, with minimally persistent tannin." Falstaff

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Gittori is a plump, juicy wine. Black cherry, leather, incense, tobacco and dried herbs meld together nicely in this attractive, curvy Gran Selezione. Deceptive in its mid-weight feel, the 2019 shows terrific depth and fine overall balance." Vinous

"Here is a new and exciting submission from Riecine in Gaiole in Chianti. The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Gittori is being released as a special way of commemorating the estate's 50th anniversary. The number 50 appears on the front label. This top-end wine comes off with dark fruit, austere spice and dry wood. Those are the aromas; however, the wine is surprisingly soft and silky in texture. It's a nice dual effect. 3,233 bottles and 50 magnums were released." Wine Advocate

"Blackberry, orange-peel and Spanish-cedar aromas. Exotic fruit, too. Full-bodied with seamless tannins and a very, very long finish. A benchmark Gran Selezione. Structured, yet fine at the same time." James Suckling

"Riecine's first ever Gran Selezione is a true beauty. It comes from the Gittori vineyard, a south-facing plot which sits above 500 metres, planted in 1971 - after renting it for 20 years, the estate was finally able to purchase it in 2019. The nose shows pure, precise fragrances of rose, wildflower, raspberry and spice. Fruit is at the fore, with integrated oak in the background – simply there to support. Youthfully plump and joyful at the moment, the succulent acidity and silky tannins bring vibrancy and alluring texture respectively. It has the depth and complexity worthy of Gran Selezione and is a glorious demonstration that the category isn't solely reserved for muscle-bound powerhouses." Decanter

Genuine expression of Sangiovese, terroir and the typical Riecine style, which is based above all on elegance. Deep, sparkling colour, complex, animating scent of small red berries and corresponding persistence in taste. An impressive wine with the finesse of a great Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Appealing nose with notes of pomegranate, cherry and spicy thyme. Round and polished at the base, shows very well worked out fruit, present and at the same time tender, then opens up with lots of handy tannin." Falstaff

"A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2016 La Gioia is a beauty. Off the bat, the wine shows a specific mineral note that reminds me of black stone or dusty granite. Beyond that, you get a thick and dense layer of black fruit and plum. The wine is never heavy or flat, instead it shows a lot of energy and freshness with a point of spiciness on the close. That energy is typical of Gaiole in Chianti. This is a medium-to-full bodied Sangiovese with all its various moving parts in harmony, ready for a Tuscan bean and tomato stew with fresh bread and healthy wedges of pecorino." Wine Advocate

"This is a powerful red with beautiful ripe tannins and freshness. Full and linear. Opens in the mouth. A pure sangiovese. Yeah!" James Suckling

La Gioia is the pure expression of Sangiovese with fruit from the estate's best vineyards. It is a big, expressive wine every year, retaining its crisp, medium-bodied mouthfeel. Tones of cherries, wild berries, violets and spices make for an elegant and very pure bouquet. The finish is characterised by fresh acidity in the typical and very refined Riecine style. SUPERIORE.DE

Genuine expression of Sangiovese, terroir and the typical Riecine style, which is based above all on elegance. Deep, sparkling colour, complex, animating scent of small red berries and corresponding persistence on the palate. An impressive wine with the finesse of a great Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Attractive nose with notes of pomegranate, cherry and spicy thyme. Round and polished at the base, shows very well worked out fruit, present and at the same time delicate, then opens with a lot of handy tannin. Falstaff

"A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2016 La Gioia is a beauty. Off the bat, the wine shows a specific mineral note that reminds me of black stone or dusty granite. Beyond that, you get a thick and dense layer of black fruit and plum. The wine is never heavy or flat, instead it shows a lot of energy and freshness with a point of spiciness on the close. That energy is typical of Gaiole in Chianti. This is a medium-to-full bodied Sangiovese with all its various moving parts in harmony, ready for a Tuscan bean and tomato stew with fresh bread and healthy wedges of pecorino." Wine Advocate

"This is a powerful red with beautiful ripe tannins and freshness. Full and linear. Opens in the mouth. A pure sangiovese. Yeah!" James Suckling