Riecine Chianti Classico Bio 2024

Riecine Chianti Classico Bio 2021 is a pure Sangiovese from the heart of Tuscany, crafted in certified organic vineyards. True to the house style, it delivers a Chianti Classico that is both honest and refined: no makeup, no excess oak, just the clear voice of great fruit and terroir. This cuvée has become a reference point for modern, elegant Chianti, often acclaimed in leading Italian wine guides.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 shows a bright, translucent ruby-red hue with vivid garnet highlights at the rim, signaling freshness and a classic, lean Tuscan profile. The nose is expressive yet precise: red cherries and wild strawberries lead, joined by notes of redcurrant and a touch of blackcurrant, with hints of dark cherry, dried rose petals, leather, and a gentle twist of black pepper and Tuscan herbs. On the palate, it is juicy and straight, with a taut, linear structure that feels both vibrant and composed. Fine-grained tannins provide grip without aggression, framing flavors of red berries, sour cherry, a hint of blood orange, and subtle savory undertones. The acidity is lively and refreshing, giving the wine excellent drinkability while maintaining depth and complexity. A subtle mineral thread runs through to a long, fresh finish, with a fine ‘nervous’ acidity that keeps it lifted and moreish. Enjoyable now with a short aeration, it will develop further complexity over the next 6–8 years.

Production
The Riecine Chianti Classico Bio 2021 comes from organically farmed vineyards in the cool, high-altitude hills of Gaiole in Chianti, where galestro and limestone-rich soils lend finesse, tension, and minerality to Sangiovese. Yields are kept low, and the grapes are hand-harvested in small crates to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy bunches reach the cellar. Fermentation typically takes place with native yeasts in temperature-controlled tanks or traditional vessels, emphasizing purity of fruit and the character of the terroir. The wine is then aged in a mix of large neutral oak and/or older barrels to refine the tannins and add texture without masking the Sangiovese profile, before being bottled with minimal intervention.

Food & Serving
This Chianti Classico is a superb partner for traditional Tuscan fare: think bistecca alla fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, ragù-based pasta (pappardelle al cinghiale, tagliatelle al ragù), and roast pork with herbs. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes, aged pecorino, charcuterie, and wood-fired pizzas with tomato and cured meats. Serve at 16–18°C; in warmer weather, a very light chill can enhance its freshness. Decanting for 30–45 minutes is recommended in its youth to let the aromatics open and to soften the tannins slightly.

Producer
Riecine, located in Località Riecine in Gaiole in Chianti, was founded in the 1970s and quickly earned a reputation as one of the estates that helped redefine Chianti Classico toward finesse, purity, and terroir-driven Sangiovese. Perched at relatively high altitude, the estate has long championed organic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, focusing on elegance rather than power. Over the years, Riecine’s wines have received top accolades in guides such as Gambero Rosso, reinforcing its status as a benchmark producer in Chianti Classico and a reference for those seeking authentic, refined Tuscan reds.