2021 Rivetti, G. (La Spinetta) - Chianti Riserva Casanova (750ml)

Piedmont royalty goes to Tuscany. The Rivetti family of La Spinetta, famous for their Barbaresco, launched their Tuscan project in 2001 at Casanova in Terricciola, in the hills between Pisa and Volterra (you’ll know the bottles by the Albrecht Dürer rhinoceros on the label). Rather than a typical blended Chianti, this Riserva is 100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard of older vines on sandy, calcareous soils of marine origin, packed with ancient ocean sediments.

Fermented in temperature-controlled vats, then aged in French oak and bottled without fining or filtration, it shows ripe blackberry and dark cherry with violets, thyme, cocoa and Mediterranean spice, plus savory hints of leather and wet earth. Dry, harmonious and velvety, with real depth for the price. Pair with bistecca, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, roast lamb or aged pecorino.