Michaela Morris of Decanter Magazine has rated Istine as one of five “Standout and Up-and-Coming” Chianti Classico producers.
In her article regarding the best Chianti Classico’s to buy in 2022, she has stated “Angela Fronti is undoubtedly one of Chianti Classico’s top producers and her trio of single-vineyard bottlings are not to be missed.”
This adds to the ongoing recognition that Istine has received from world class wine writers and journalists over recent vintages. We are honoured to have these wines as part of our portfolio.
See reviews for these wines below
Istine 2019 Vigna Cavarchione Chianti Classico
The only one of Istine’s single-vineyard bottlings that hails from outside Radda, Vigna Cavarchione is located in the neighbouring township of Gaiole. It is east- to southeast-facing on predominantly Galestro soil at 420 metres. The 2019 has a sweet/savoury personality with a firm backbone. Dark plum and wild strawberry meet balsamic herb nuances. It is expansive and mouth-filling, though not heavy. Lively acidity races though it and a distinct saline twist cleanses the palate. A lengthy finale of violet and tobacco begs another sip.
96 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter 6 June 2022
Vintages available: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
Istine 2019 Vigna Istine Chianti Classico
The rocky, Alberese-rich Istine vineyard slopes down in front of the family home at 550 metres above sea level. From here, beyond the surrounding woodlands, you can see the town of Radda to the east and Panzano to the northwest. Of the estate’s three single-vineyard bottlings, Istine takes the longest to come out of its shell. Angela Fronti says that she introduced a new 20hL cask in 2019 and its grainy tannins need time to integrate. The site’s vertical, slender, sinewy character is very much in evidence – as is the fruit purity. Fragrant rosehip and iris meet iron and brushwood, with crunchy cranberry and red currant offering a lovely backdrop.
95points, Michaela Morris, Decanter 6 June 2022
Vintages available: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
Istine 2019 Vigna Casanova dell’Aia Chianti Classico
As with Vigna Istine, Vigna Casanova dell’Aia is characterised by limestone marls of Alberese and Galestro, however it boasts a greater presence of clay which gives more vigour. It is also south- rather than north-facing and sits at 500 metres. The 2019 offers quite a bit of stuffing: plush dark red cherries are sumptuous and juicy, nuanced by liquorice, tarragon and sweet fresh earth. There’s a stony mineral note under the generous fruit, while compact chalky tannins assert themselves graciously.
95 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter 6 June 2022
Vintages available: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
