Riecine ,Vigna Gittori Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, 2022

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

Gran Selezione comes from the organically farmed single vineyard of Gittori. This special site is situated on a south-facing slope, situated at 500 metres above sea level, with vines planted in 1971. After renting the site for 20 years, Riecine were able to purchase it in 2019. Soils are predominantly limestone, but also "Galestro", the local rocky, schist clay soils, which imparts its distinctive character on the wine.

Winemaking

Grapes are harvested by hand with two selections, one in the field, the second at the sorting table immediately the grapes reach the winery. Each plot within the single vineyard is vinified separately in open-top concrete tanks, macerated for around 25 days and pressed. The classification stipulates a minimum of 30 months ageing, a combination of 24 months in old French tonneaux, with at least a further 6 months of bottle refinement before release.

Tasting Note

Riecine’s exceptional first ever Gran Selezione. A wine with great finesse yet restrained power, on the nose there are notes of damask rose, plump red berries and woody herbs, whilst the palate is elegant, with perfectly structured silky tannins providing the framework, whilst juicy acidity, vivid raspberry and mellow spice bring lift, light and complexity to the finish. All the hall-marks of the beautiful Riecine style, perfectly reflected in this highest of Chianti Classico classifications.

Food matching

For a superlative pairing drink with Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, or other dry-aged high quality steak, or with a rich vegetable or meat ragu and pasta. Pizza with an intense tomato sauce is also divine.