Riecine di Riecine Rosso Toscana IGT 2017 (3pk) – All Stars Deal

While this wine showcases all the classical Chianti fruit characteristics, it's crafted using grapes from Riecine's oldest vineyards and undergoes an extended 36-month ageing process in concrete Nomblot egg tanks rather than traditional oak barrels. This unique approach preserves the pure expression of Sangiovese while developing exceptional complexity and elegance. The concrete ageing allows for micro-oxygenation without adding wood flavours, resulting in remarkably precise fruit definition where each berry seems individually discernible.

The 36-month concrete ageing in Nomblot egg tanks is a deliberate choice that enhances the wine's natural characteristics without masking them. Concrete allows gentle micro-oxygenation while maintaining temperature stability, which helps develop the wine's supple tannins and backbone of acidity. The egg shape creates natural circulation currents that keep the wine in constant, gentle motion, integrating flavours beautifully. This method produces wines with incredible purity and allows the terroir of Tuscany's oldest Riecine vineyards to shine through unimpeded.

This wine demonstrates exceptional ageing potential thanks to its firm structure, supple tannins, and vibrant acidity backbone. While it's beautifully approachable now, the extended maceration and concrete ageing have built a foundation for long-term development. Sangiovese from quality Tuscan producers like Riecine typically evolves gracefully for 10-15 years, developing tertiary flavours of leather, earth, and dried herbs. The wine's current precision and balance suggest it will gain even more complexity and elegance with proper cellaring.

Organic certification reflects Riecine's commitment to sustainable viticulture, which directly impacts the wine's flavour intensity and purity. Organic farming practices encourage deeper root systems and lower yields, concentrating flavours in the grapes and contributing to the wine's remarkable fruit definition. The absence of synthetic chemicals allows the true terroir expression to emerge, explaining why you can taste individual berry characteristics. This approach also supports the wine's natural acidity and tannin structure, creating the elegant balance that makes it both approachable young and suitable for extended ageing.

The wine's savoury profile with notes of black olive, allspice, and blackberry makes it ideal for Mediterranean cuisine and hearty Italian dishes. Its medium body and supple tannins complement grilled meats, aged cheeses, and tomato-based pasta sauces beautifully. The textured mouthfeel and vibrant acidity cut through rich foods like osso buco or wild boar ragu, while the wine's elegance won't overpower more delicate preparations like herb-crusted lamb. The savoury elements also pair wonderfully with charcuterie boards featuring cured meats and aged pecorino.