2018 Le Cinciole - Chianti Classico Riserva Petresco (750ml)

Podere Le Cinciole is a small estate in Panzano in Chianti, run by Valeria and Luca Orsini amid organic vineyards and olive groves just outside the village. The property leans almost entirely on Sangiovese, the grape behind nearly every wine in the lineup, from the estate's straightforward Chianti Classico to its Riserva and its top bottling, Petresco. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah appear only in small amounts, reserved for a separate, more modern blend the estate also produces.

Petresco is Le Cinciole's flagship wine, made entirely from Sangiovese grown on some of the property's oldest vines. Because its style and aging regime fall outside the stricter rules of the Chianti Classico DOCG, it is released under the broader Toscana IGT designation rather than as a Chianti Classico Riserva, even though the fruit comes from squarely within the zone. The wine matures for an extended period in oak before bottling, a process aimed at building structure without overwhelming the grape's natural character.

The 2018 vintage is considered a strong one for the estate, giving precise, well-defined dark cherry fruit alongside a touch of oak spice, bright acidity, and a mineral, flinty edge. The tannins are firm but polished, carrying real tension and elegance through the finish. It suits grilled Tuscan sausage, a hearty bean stew, or air-dried salumi.