Riecine is one of Chianti’s leading producers, based in Gaiole and working with some of Chianti Classico’s highest-altitude vineyards. Across their Chianti wines—and in this cuvée, La Gioia—they use 100% Sangiovese.
They are organically certified without making a big fuss about it; instead, the focus is on crafting some of Chianti’s finest wines, defined by energy, elegance, and a deep sense of terroir. The wines radiate Chianti character and unmistakable Sangiovese identity.
Winemaker Alessandro Campatelli has, since his first vintage at Riecine (2016), taken the wines up another level by reducing new oak impact and sharpening clarity and precision in the overall expression.
As recognition of his dedication to wines made exclusively from Sangiovese, Alessandro proudly received the “Premio Giulio Gambelli” in May 2021. The award honours winemakers under 40 who produce Sangiovese that reflects the style and spirit of the great Sangiovese master Giulio Gambelli. Gambelli, until his passing, was a consultant to several of Tuscany’s finest producers and remains one of Alessandro’s key inspirations.
Riecine La Gioia is—using the familiar phrase—the estate’s “Super Tuscan,” yet unlike many other “super wines” from Tuscany, it is made solely from the local favourite, Sangiovese.
The grapes come from several high-elevation sites in Gaiole, all densely planted and of the right vine age to produce small, flavour-packed berries. Fermentation takes place in Nomblot concrete, followed by two years of ageing in French 500-litre tonneaux in their second and third use.
True to the Super Tuscan ideal, La Gioia offers polished tannins, but alongside its velvety power you also find Sangiovese’s elegance—perfumed red and dark berry fruit. A subtle volatile lift raises the aromatics, keeping the intensity vibrant rather than overpowering, and signalling a top-tier luxury wine. 2019 is a superb vintage where everything came together beautifully.
La Gioia is a durable, cellar-worthy wine that can be aged for 15–25 years from the vintage, yet its supple tannins already provide plenty of drinking pleasure today.
95 points – Wine Spectator
95 points – Falstaff
