Riecine Vigna Gittori Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2020

Riecine is an organic estate in the high hills of Chianti Classico, and this Gran Selezione comes from a single plot, Vigna Gittori, planted entirely to Sangiovese. A single-vineyard wine of this top classification reflects one site rather than a blend, so terroir is everything: the elevation gives cool nights and a long growing season that preserve Sangiovese's natural acidity and bright red fruit, while the galestro and limestone soils lend the savoury, mineral structure that distinguishes serious Chianti. Low yields from the old plot concentrate the fruit. The wine is aged twenty-four months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange rounds Sangiovese's firm tannins and adds a fine spice without overwhelming the fruit, and the long élevage builds the tertiary, earthy complexity expected of the category. It is a bright ruby. The nose is fresh and detailed, with wild berries, red cherry, violet, tobacco and forest floor; the palate is medium to full, with high acidity, firm but polished tannins and a long, savoury, structured finish that suits cellaring. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted, with red meat, game or aged cheese.