The modern history of this iconic Chianti producer with the Etruscan name goes back only 50 years, but what a 50 years it has been!  This ancient estate high at the top of Gaiole was rejuvenated in the early 1970s by one John Dunkley, who famously commented, as he replanted his old vineyard (organically- in 1971!), ‘if Baron de Rothschild decides to plant Sangiovese in his vineyards, I’ll switch to Cabernet.’ So it has been here at this property for over half a century!  Dunkley smartest move was to bring on famed consulting winemaker Carlo Ferrini and the young Englishman Sean O’Callaghan, both of whom embraced the Sangiovese-only ethos of Riecine and began producing some of Chianti’s most elegant and delightful wines.  Then came a dark period when, after Dunkley’s untimely passing, the winery fell into the hands of an ‘international’ owner more interested in the elegant Tuscan lifestyle than making great wine (driving Sean away and right into the arms of his own new and exciting Tenuta Carleone project).  Then, in 2015, Italian enologist Alessandro Campatelli purchased the property and replaced the previous owner’s helipad (!) with brand-spanking new winemaking equipment and it was off the races.  The renaissance here has been nothing short of amazing, and the Riecine Chianti Classico has retaken its position as one of the most elegant, classically-styled Sangios on the market.  Here’s a wine that puts the Classico in Chianti!  A lovely drink waiting for your next Panzanella, ravioli in sage butter and hamburgers off the grill. Please try.