Riecine Chianti Classico 2019
- Textured, savoury
- Tuscany
Riecine is one of the leading producers in Chianti and the greater Tuscany region. Where their contemporaries are being distracted by the power-blends with French varieties - Riecine stay dedicated to sangiovese. Purists, you might say. John Dunkley, English-born naturalised Tuscan and founder of Riecine was quoted as saying, “When Baron Philippe de Rothschild plants Sangiovese, I’ll switch to Cabernet Sauvignon.” Legend!
Profile
This is delicious new wave Chianti. It’s got a plushness and richness that can often be lacking in the region. There’s all of that glorious varietal character, but it’s delightfully approachable now even in spite of its undeniable age-worthiness. Think plump sour cherries and cranberries, underlaid with gravelly terracotta notes and dusty tannin. Chianti is THE food wine, so don’t miss the chance to pair with some Tuscan fare.
Reviews
Raffaele Vecchione
“Extremely captivating, it offers notes of unripe cherries, raspberries, currants, wisteria flowers and agapanthus. A lot of citrus energy in the background gives nuances of coconut powder and bergamot. Medium body, well extracted soft tannins and a luminous and fragrant finish. Drink now.”
It’s cool, we get it, you want to know absolutely everything about this wine. Well here you go, go nuts.
Specs
- Region
- Tuscany
- Vintage
- 2019
- Cellaring
- 2030
- Preservatives
- Sulphites
- Alcohol by Vol.
- 14.0%
- Closure
- Cork
- Bottle Vol
- 750mL
- Blend Info
- 100% Sangiovese
- Serving Temp.
- 13°C
Producer
Riecine
I first heard of this maker when I was working at Ngeringa, a little biodynamic place in the Adelaide Hills. Both winemaker Erinn and then-viticulturist (now successful vigneron in his own right) Tom Shobbrook had both completed harvest at Riecine, and reports were good. Founded by a Brit in the early '70s who bought a hectare and a half from a monastery, and under new ownership since 2011, it sounded like a bit of a gathering place for people in wine who really care about the impact they have on the earth. Now eight organic vineyards at around 500m altitude, the wines have gained a reputation for their purity of fruit and inherent character. Fermentation happens in concrete vats, and ageing happens in vessels that are chosen for their ability for oxygen exchange rather than to impart flavour (concrete again, or older oak). Pretty excited to see their wine here at the ‘fo. Get around it.
Region
Tuscany
Ah...Tuscany. The home of rolling hills, extra virgin olive oil, Steak Florentine and, of course, Chianti. Everything here is about the earth, and it shows through in the produce. Earthy, vinous, purely rustic and unadulterated. Some of our most enjoyable experiences have come from here. They don't generally come cheap, but they're well worth it.