A beautifully evolved Tuscan red combining concentrated dark fruit, polished tannins and savoury complexity, with the excellent 2016 vintage bringing freshness, precision and remarkable balance.

🥂 Tasting Notes

Appearance deep ruby red with increasingly pronounced garnet reflections at the rim. Still concentrated and vibrant for its age, with an attractive clarity and brilliance.

Aroma complex and refined, opening with black cherry, ripe plum and blackberry, followed by dried red berries and violet. With aeration, the fruit gives way to layers of cedar, tobacco, leather and Mediterranean herbs, accompanied by subtle notes of dark chocolate, sweet spice and balsamic herbs. Mature nuances of forest floor and dried leaves add further depth.

Palate rich and structured, yet beautifully balanced by the freshness characteristic of the excellent 2016 Tuscan vintage. Ripe black cherry and plum are framed by fine, polished tannins and lively acidity. Savoury notes of tobacco, cedar, dried herbs and earthy spice develop through the mid-palate. Bottle ageing has softened the wine without diminishing its structure, resulting in an elegant and harmonious texture.

Finish long, complex and persistent. Dark cherry and plum gradually evolve into tobacco, cedar, dried herbs and subtle earthy notes, with a fine mineral freshness giving the finish definition and length.

Ageing Potential the 2016 is now entering an excellent mature drinking window but retains enough freshness and structure to develop further. Well-stored bottles should drink beautifully now through approximately 2030–2032. Decant gently for 30–45 minutes, particularly to separate any sediment.

🍽️ Food Pairing (Gastronomic Level)

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina – an outstanding match for the wine’s structure and mature complexity.
• Grilled rib-eye or roast beef – complements its dark fruit and savoury character.
• Lamb with rosemary – echoes the wine’s Mediterranean herbal nuances.
• Wild boar ragù – a classic Tuscan combination with the wine’s earthy depth.
• Venison – excellent with its mature fruit and fine tannic structure.
• Pappardelle with porcini mushrooms – highlights the developing forest-floor character.
• Braised beef or veal – works beautifully with the wine’s evolved, silky texture.
• Mature Pecorino Toscano – a classic regional pairing.

Serving Temperature

16–18°C

Technical Notes

• Designation: Toscana IGT
• Producer: La Casa di Bricciano
• Location: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany
• Viticulture: Organic, estate-grown grapes
• Harvest: Hand harvested
• Style: Full-bodied, structured and age-worthy Tuscan red
• Ageing: Oak maturation followed by extended bottle ageing
• Vintage: 2016 – an exceptional Tuscan vintage, noted for its combination of ripeness, freshness and structural balance

Takeaway

Il Ritrovo 2016 combines the generosity of a mature Tuscan red with the exceptional freshness and precision of the 2016 vintage. Dark fruit, tobacco, leather and Mediterranean herbs are now beautifully integrated, while fine tannins and vibrant acidity suggest there is still plenty of life ahead.