It’s fair to say that I am not the biggest Sangiovese fan out there. But when I come across great wines, I don’t mind what they are made from or where they come from. This pair from Riecine are really lovely.

Riecine Chianti Classico 2012 Tuscany, Italy
13.5% alcohol. Complex and aromatic with elegant red cherries, plums, spice and subtle earth, with hints of pepper. The palate is fresh with some spiciness and just a hint of balsamic character, as well as bright, supple, spicy cherry and berry fruit. Nicely poised and quite classic. 92/100 (£22 Winemakers Club, Tanners)

Riecine Toscana IGT 2011 Italy
This is 100% Sangiovese, and its the second vintage of this wine: no new oak, foot trodden, old vines. Lovely sweet nose of cherries plums and spices. Powerful and structured but with elegance too. Very spicy and savoury but with a sweetness to the cherry and plum fruit, finishing grippy and structured. Classic Sangiovese: structured, lively, with real presence and power. This drank well over three successive evenings. 94/100 (£40 Winemakers Club)

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