Istine

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

Items

Istine 2023 Rosato, Toscana IGT Login On Order
Istine 2018 '550' Toscana Merlot IGT Login In Stock
Istine 2020 'Levigne' Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG Login AG 96 In Stock
Istine 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 92 WS 91 In Stock
Istine 2022 Chianti Classico DOCG Login On Order
Istine 2020 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 95 WS 94 In Stock
Istine 2020 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 96 WS 93 In Stock
Istine 2020 Vigna Istine, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 94 WS 92 In Stock
Istine 2022 'Bianco d'Istine' (Amphora), Toscana Bianco IGT 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
Wine Spectator: New-Generation Chianti Classico: Istine
Percorsi di Vino: Istine, il Chianti Classico di Radda

Reviews

  • Istine 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (8/29/2023)

    Just bottled, the 2021 Chianti Classico captures all the energy of the year in its bright, red-toned fruit. Blood orange, mint, white pepper and vibrant acids lend notable energy to a Chianti Classico that sizzles with tension. There's plenty of fruit to back that all up. Bright saline notes extend the finish beautifully.
  • Istine 2020 'Levigne' Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 96 (8/29/2023)

    The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne is fabulous. In fact, the 2020 is one of the best Riservas I can remember tasting here. Black cherry, plum, graphite, cloves, menthol and licorice are some of the many notes that meld together in this deep, potent Riserva. In the past, I have found the Riserva a bit marked by oak, but that is not the case here. The 2020 spent two full years in cask.

  • Istine 2020 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 96 (6/15/2022)

    The 2020 Chianti Classico Vigna Cavarchione is positively stellar in 2020. Ample and rich, yet with plenty of Istine classicism, the Cavarchione has all the potential to be one of the top wines of this very young vintage. All the elements come together effortlessly. Black cherry, plum, sage, lavender, licorice and incense build over time, filling out the layers nicely. The complexity here is just unreal.

  • Istine 2020 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 95 (6/15/2022)

    The 2020 Chianti Classico Vigna Casanova dell'Aia shows a dark, richer side of Sangiovese from Radda. Black cherry, sage, lavender, menthol, licorice and tobacco all meld together. A wine of presence and real stature, the Casanova dell'Aia is fabulous. All it needs is time to soften a bit.

  • Istine 2020 Vigna Istine, Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 94 (6/15/2022)

    The 2020 Chianti Classico Vigna Istine is a wine of total understatement and class. The translucent finesse of Radda comes through loud and clear. Crushed rocks, mint, chalk and white pepper add a striking top register of brilliance throughout. The 2020 is flat out gorgeous.

  • Istine 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 91 (10/31/2023)

    A vivid, linear red, evoking black cherry, blackberry, licorice and spice flavors. Rich and dense, with a lively structure, this ends with generous fruit and spice notes. Drink now through 2028.
  • Istine 2020 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 94 (10/31/2023)

    A succulent red highlighted by beautifully defined cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Solidly built, suggesting this will develop further. Boasts excellent balance, with leafy underbrush and wild herb notes on the long finish. Best from 2025 through 2042.
  • Istine 2020 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 93 (10/31/2023)

    Lush, yet with an edge of dusty tannins framing cherry, strawberry, rose and earth flavors. Shows strong grip on the finish, along with a beam of vibrant acidity and a lingering aftertaste of red fruit. Leans to the elegant side. Best from 2025 through 2042.
  • Istine 2020 Vigna Istine, Chianti Classico DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 92 (10/31/2023)

    This red is infused with fresh cherry, strawberry, rose hip and iron flavors aligned to a streamlined profile. Subtle, yet persists on the finish, delivering harmony and the potential to evolve another decade, maybe two. Decant now. Drink now through 2040.