Riecine, Chianti Classico Riserva, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, 2019

Producer Profile

Riecine is a historic estate in Gaiole in Chianti, with origins dating back to the 12th century and a modern winery established in 1971, when John Dunkley and Palmina Abbagnano acquired their first 1.5 hectares of vines.

Since then, Riecine has built a reputation as one of Chianti Classico’s most distinctive Sangiovese specialists, combining traditional Tuscan practices with thoughtful innovation. Today, under owner, CEO and winemaker Alessandro Campatelli, the estate is dedicated to expressing the purity, elegance and energy of high‑altitude Chianti Classico terroir. Its organically farmed vineyards, situated at around 400–600 metres above sea level, produce perfumed, expressive wines with freshness, structure and remarkable clarity of fruit. Riecine’s winemaking is defined by precision and restraint. Fermentation in Nomblot concrete tanks, ageing in concrete and/or large oak and amphorae, and a low‑intervention approach all help preserve the character of Sangiovese and the individuality of each site. From the pure, concrete‑aged Riecine di Riecine to the structured Chianti Classico Riserva, the single‑vineyard Vigna Gittori Gran Selezione and the richer La Gioia, Riecine continues to champion refined, authentic Tuscan wines with a clear sense of place, winning great praise both in Italy and internationally.

Viticulture

Various different terrain provides Riecine with some protection from extreme weather conditions such as hail and frost, and importantly, produces grapes with different characteristics and nuances so that they can produce complex, elegant wines that are still distinctly Riecine. Whilst the wine is not certified as organic, the vineyards are carefully tended by hand and all the farming techniques are 100% organic with biodynamic processes being introduced. Sprays are kept to an absolute minimum–no herbicides or insecticides are used. All the vineyards are left with grass growing in the rows to reduce erosion and bring the soil and ecosystem back as close to the natural state as possible. Closely monitored pickers select only the best, ripest and cleanest bunches from the vines; everything else remains in the fields to return to nature. Before de-stalking, the grapes are checked for quality once again, with only the very best grapes making their way into Riecine’s wines.

Winemaking

Each separate plot is harvested and the grapes crushed by the traditional foot treading. Fermented in open top bins or cement "Nomblot" tanks. 15% of the fruit is kept as whole bunches, with maceration of around 40 days before being pressed off. Aged for 24 months in big wooden casks, then rested for 3 months in bottle.

Tasting Note

This fine red wine is fruity, with subtle notes of rose and eucalyptus. Elegant with medium body to the structure, finishing with velvet like and round tannins.

Food matching

Ideal with pasta and tomato sauce, al ragù or simply with a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.