Istine

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Country of Origin: Italy
Location: Radda, Chianti
People: Angela Fronti, Owner & Winemaker
Viticulture: Certified Organic

Items

Istine 2022 Rosato, Toscana IGT Login On Order
Istine 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 92 WS 90 In Stock
Istine 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Login On Order
Istine 2019 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 95 WA 92 WS 94 In Stock
Istine 2019 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 95 WA 90 WS 93 In Stock
Istine 2019 Vigna Istine, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 94 WS 92 WA 91 <1 Case
Istine Vermouth di Radda, Italy (36 proof) Login In Stock



Angela Fronti is a rising star in Chianti. Similar to her wines, she is high energy, effusively charming and intense, but tempered by elegance and humility. She is a huge fan of Elisabetta Fagiouli of Montenidoli, and Elisabetta is a friend and a fan of what Angela is doing. Cream is excited to introduce Istine to the Chicago market. As the first bottles are just finding there way to select restaurants and shops and to real wine lovers, there is a very satisfying feeling that we are all at the start of something very special.

For decades, Angela’s family’s specialization has been in the development and management of vineyards for famous Tuscan wineries. It was only a matter of time before someone in the Fronti family would aspire to produce wine from their estate vineyards. In 2009, Angela produced around 250 cases of Istine Chianti Classico.

Istine consists of a 20 hectares comprised of of high-altitude, small vineyards in the Chianti Classico area, mostly in Radda with some in Gaiole: Istine Vineyard (between Radda and Castellina), Casanova Vineyard (near Radda) and Cavarchione Vineyard (near Gaiole). The high altitude and predominantly rocky soils ensure freshness, elegance and good acidity even in warm vintages. The vineyards consist of indigenous varieties, mainly Sangiovese. Conventionally farmed before 2009, Angela’s first move has been to convert the viticulture to organic methods. This parallels her non-interventionist style in the cellar. The estate became certified organic in 2016.

Radda in Chianti is a lovely medieval village surrounded by massive walls. Situated on a hill between the valleys of the Arbia River and Pesa River, it has ancient origins. In the close countryside of Radda there are many Etruscan settlements, and many place names still carry the echo of this origin. The origin of Istine seems to be "ischio," the Italian word derived from the Latin "aesculus." Ischio was used to name a special type of oak tree (Quercus peduncolata) and also a small, yet heavily branched, olive tree (Ligustrum vulgare). The name ischio became istio and then istine to convey its Etruscan location. Since the vineyard is completely surrounded by woods, it is possible that the name originates from the surrounding landscape.

Media Links
Percorsi di Vino: Istine, il Chianti Classico di Radda

Social Media
Istine Facebook
Instagram: @istine_raddainchianti

Vinous 9/2020
"To say I was blown away by the Istine wines this year would be a massive understatement. These new releases are positively stellar. Proprietor Angela Fronti crafts some of the most distinctive Chianti Classicos readers will come across. The single-vineyard wines are each incredibly unique. Istine emerges from a parcel between Radda and Castellina, while Casanova dell'Aia is near Radda and Cavarchione is in Gaiole. The Riserva Le Vigne is a blend of all three. Aging is done in cask. These are among the most thrilling wines I tasted this year."


Vinous 8/2019
"I was deeply impressed with these Chianti Classicos from Istine. Proprietor Angel Fronti draws from vineyards sites in and around Radda and Gaiole to craft gorgeous, classically-leaning wines of real distinction. All of the Chiantis are aged in cask, which really allows the personality of each site to come through. The exception is the Riserva, which is a blend of the estate’s top Sangiovese, but it, too, is noteworthy. In its current incarnation, Istine is a young estate, but it is very much a property to keep an eye on."

Reviews

  • Istine 2019 Vigna Istine, Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 94 (9/12/2021)

    The 2019 Chianti Classico Vigna Istine is stellar. A classic Radda wine, the Vigna Istine is all finesse. Deeply pitched aromatics make a strong first impression. Bright red cherry, rose petal, spice, cedar and new leather all meld together in a wine of tremendous beauty and resonance. Silky, pliant and wonderfully expressive, the Vigna Istine is a winner from Angela Fronti.
  • Istine 2019 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 95 (9/12/2021)

    The 2019 Chianti Classico Vigna Casanova dell'Aia is a dark, ample wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, lavender and spice open first, showing the more virile side of Sangiovese off to great effect. The 2019 builds effortlessly in the glass as the flavors and tannins gain energy with air. Casanova dell'Aia is located closer to Radda than Vigna Istine and yields a decidedly powerful expression of the village.
  • Istine 2019 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 95 (9/12/2021)

    The 2019 Chianti Classico Vigna Cavarchione is, along with the Riserva, one of the most powerful of the Chianti Classicos in this range. A wine of breadth and dimension, the Cavarchione is driven by bright acids and a whole range of earthy, savory flavors. Game, wild herbs, tobacco, incense and plum all develop in the glass. The tannins need time to soften, naturally, but there is a ton to explore here.
  • Istine 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (6/10/2022)

    The 2020 Chianti Classico is bright, punchy and full of character. Intense saline underpinnings drive this super-expressive, tightly-wound Chianti Classico. Readers will have to cellar the 2020 for at least a few years, as it is quite reticent at the moment. Even so, the purity of the Sangiovese fruit here is simply compelling.
  • Istine 2019 Vigna Istine, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 92 (12/15/2022)

    This mellowing red is marked by a hint of oak, with cherry and plum flavors accented by leather and earth. Well-structured and resonant on the lingering finish. Best from 2024 through 2042.
  • Istine 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 90 (12/15/2022)

    Elegant, this fluid red boasts black cherry and blackberry fruit shaded by earth, iron and wild rosemary. Vibrant, balanced and long on the finish.
  • Istine 2019 Vigna Istine, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 91 (2/9/2023)

    A 100% expression of certified organic Sangiovese, the Istine 2019 Chianti Classico Vigna Istine is fermented in cement vats (with up to 45 days of skin contact) and aged in large oak casks for 12 months. Fruit is selected from a five-hectare plot with cool, north-facing exposures at 550 meters in elevation. There is tangy fruit and wild cherry with earth, dried rosemary and balsam herb. Production is limited to 3,500 bottles.
  • Istine 2019 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 90 (2/9/2023)

    The Vigna Cavarchione comes from a six-hectare site and sees a prolonged 45-day maceration time. The soils are a classic mix of galestro and alberese, and this parcel faces east. The wine reveals a streamlined style with cherry, mineral, cola and blue flower. The structure and persistency are measured at a lower threshold, but the wine remains elegant throughout. 3,600 bottles were released.
  • Istine 2019 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 92 (2/9/2023)

    Here's a new submission from Istine, a certified organic farmer based in Radda in Chianti. The 2019 Chianti Classico Vigna Casanova dell'Aia is a pretty, balanced wine with bright cherry, dried blue flower, smooth tannins and chalky mineral sensations. This vineyard enjoys southern exposures with a mix of schistous galestro and limestone alberese soils that are typical of the appellation. Only 3,300 bottles were made.
  • Istine 2019 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 94 (11/30/2022)

    Elegant and pure, offering cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit accented by floral and mineral elements. Reveals hints of earth and tobacco, which emerge as this builds to the long, firm finish. Complex and harmonious. Best from 2024 through 2042.
  • Istine 2019 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 93 (11/30/2022)

    A hint of rose aroma signals this intense red, whose flavors of cherry, black currant, tar, iron and tobacco permeate a dense, solid structure. Long and detailed on the finish. Best from 2024 through 2042.