San Giusto a Rentennano La Ricolma 2021

San Giusto a Rentennano La Ricolma 2021 is one of Italy’s most admired Merlot bottlings, a benchmark Tuscan expression that marries power with remarkable finesse. Certified organic and crafted in very small quantities, it offers a luminous, pure fruit profile wrapped in luxurious texture and depth. This iconic cuvée has, over the years, helped redefine what Merlot can achieve in Tuscany, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the region’s most collectible reds.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, La Ricolma 2021 shows a deep, saturated ruby hue with subtle violet reflections, hinting at both concentration and youth. The nose opens with very bright, polished fruit tones of sweet cherries and crème de cassis, supported by layers of plum, blackberries and a touch of wild forest berries. As it unfolds, delicate notes of sweet baking spices, cocoa, dried tobacco leaf and a hint of graphite emerge, adding complexity and refinement. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, intense and enveloping, driven in part by its 15% alcohol, yet beautifully balanced by fresh acidity and a fine, velvety tannin structure. The ripe red and black fruit flavours are plush and mouth-filling, flowing into nuances of vanilla pod, cedar, licorice and warm earth. The tannins are soft but persistent, giving the wine both immediate charm and a firm backbone. While already seductive in its youth, the 2021 La Ricolma has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for 10–15 years or more, developing greater complexity, tertiary notes and an even silkier texture with time in the cellar.

Production
La Ricolma is sourced from organically farmed vineyards on the San Giusto a Rentennano estate in southern Chianti Classico, in the heart of Tuscany. Here, Merlot vines grow on a mix of limestone, clay and galestro (brittle marl), at moderate altitude, benefiting from warm days, cool nights and good exposure that ensure slow, even ripening and exceptional aromatic development. Harvest is carried out by hand, parcel by parcel, with rigorous selection of bunches and berries to capture only the healthiest, ripest fruit. After gentle destemming, fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel or cement tanks, with regular punch-downs or pump-overs to extract colour, flavour and fine tannins. The wine then matures in French oak barriques (a proportion new) for an extended period, allowing the structure to integrate and the aromas to gain complexity, before a final selection and bottling without overly aggressive filtration to preserve character and texture.

Food & Serving
La Ricolma 2021 is a natural partner for richly flavoured dishes that can match its depth and power. Think Tuscan-inspired fare such as bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef cheeks, lamb shank, wild boar ragù or roasted game birds. It also pairs beautifully with truffle dishes, mushroom risotto, aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano and hard, nutty cheeses. For the best experience, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting is strongly recommended, especially in its youth: give it 1–2 hours in a decanter to allow the aromas to open and the tannins to soften, revealing the full spectrum of fruit, spice and savory complexity.

Producer
San Giusto a Rentennano is a historic estate located in Gaiole in Chianti, in the Chianti Classico area of Tuscany, with roots that trace back to a medieval fortress and Cistercian monastery. Family-owned and operated, the estate has become one of the most respected names in the region, known for its commitment to organic viticulture, low yields and a meticulous, hands-on approach in both vineyard and cellar. While celebrated for its classic Sangiovese-based Chianti Classico, San Giusto has also gained international acclaim for La Ricolma, which has consistently ranked among Italy’s greatest Merlots. This reputation for quality and authenticity has secured the winery a prominent place among Tuscany’s elite producers and made its wines highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

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