2019 Le Cinciole - Chianti Classico Riserva Petresco (750ml)

Le Cinciole is a small, certified organic estate in Panzano in Chianti, founded in 1992 by Valeria Viganò and Luca Orsini, who came to winemaking somewhat unexpectedly but have since built a reputation as one of Panzano's most consistently excellent producers. The name refers to an old local place name derived from an ancient Etruscan-Roman reference to the surrounding land. Farming just eleven hectares in production within Greve's celebrated Conca d'Oro, the Orsinis have earned quiet praise from some of Chianti's most respected winemakers for the purity and authenticity of their Sangiovese.

Petresco comes from a limestone-based vineyard that rises to a cool 400 to 450 meters, well above the 200 to 350 meter elevation typical of most Greve vineyards, where galestro soil mixed with sand and chalk gives the wine its structure and lift. Composed entirely of Sangiovese from high density, organically farmed vines, the wine undergoes an extended aging process in cask and barrique before further time in bottle, an approach built to let the vineyard's particular character shine through rather than impose heavy oak.

The 2019 is deeply layered, opening slowly to reveal black cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, licorice, and dried flowers, all remarkably well balanced around a core of pure, vivid fruit. The palate carries real energy and vertical structure, finishing long and refined. Pair it with braised short ribs, wild boar, or a rich aged cheese.