Riecine Vigna Gittori Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2020

Riecine Vigna Gittori, Sangiovese apart

In this 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, the Sangiovese shows itself both concentrated and fresh. What holds my attention is the balance between wild red fruit, violets and a touch of undergrowth, without the oak taking over. A wine with character, but whose elegance stays in the foreground.

A Riecine plot in the heart of Chianti Classico

Vigna Gittori lies within the Chianti Classico area, in Tuscany, and gives its name to this Riecine cuvée. The estate became owner of the plot in 2019, after having cared for it attentively for years. This change paved the way for a wine in its own right: the Sangiovese grapes are selected meticulously, in the vineyard as well as in the cellar. The farming is organic, and the designation indicated is DOCG Chianti Classico.

The winemaking favors balance over display. After destemming, the grapes ferment in cement tanks, then macerate for 25 days in order to extract depth without losing harmony. The wine then spends 24 months in 500-liter oak barrels, used for more than four years: their role is to support the fruit and the structure, not to mask them. Six months of bottle rest at the estate precede its release. For the 2020 vintage, marked by heat, this approach gives a profile described as fresher and more elegant.

The color is red, though its precise shade is not specified. The nose opens on wild berries and fragrant violets, then reveals notes of moss and ash, with a hint of white pepper. On the palate, the texture is concentrated, but the lively acidity brings momentum and freshness. The delicate spices from the aging punctuate the fruit without covering it. I find it interesting that the sensation of depth does not translate into heaviness: the wine keeps a balanced line and a refined profile, faithful to the Sangiovese showcased by this plot.

At the table, for generous cooking

I would serve it with roast meat, a braised dish or sautéed mushrooms: dishes flavorful enough to match its concentration, but without overly sweet sauces or overpowering spices. Its freshness should equally accompany herb-driven cooking and grilled vegetables. Open the bottle a little before the meal and give it time to express itself in the glass. If you enjoy Tuscan reds where fruit, acidity and aging remain in dialogue, Vigna Gittori offers a fine opportunity to take the time to listen to what this plot has to say.