Istine

VISIT THIS PRODUCER'S WEBSITE
LOCATE ON GOOGLE MAPS
A CREAM IMPORT SELECTION
Country of Origin: Italy
Location: Radda, Chianti
People: Angela Fronti, Owner & Winemaker
Viticulture: Certified Organic

Items

Istine 2021 'Levigne' Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG Login AG 96 In Stock
Istine 2022 Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 90 In Stock
Istine 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG Login In Stock
Istine 2020 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 95 WS 94 In Stock
Istine 2021 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 96 In Stock
Istine 2020 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 96 WS 93 In Stock
Istine 2021 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 96 In Stock
Istine 2020 Vigna Istine, Chianti Classico DOCG Login AG 94 WS 92 In Stock
Istine 2022 Amphora Bianco Toscana IGT Login AG 92 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 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 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.
  • Istine 2022 Amphora Bianco Toscana IGT
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (7/11/2024)

    The 2022 Bianco Toscano is a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia from a vineyard in Radda. It spent three days on the skins and is done in amphora. Apricot, white flowers and exotic floral notes all resonate in this super-expressive, layered white. The Bianco is adventurous and quirky but also polished.
  • Istine 2022 Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 90 (7/11/2024)

    The 2022 Chianti Classico is juicy, forward and delightful. A burst of sweet red cherry fruit, rose petal, spice and orange peel gives the 2022 tons of immediacy. The 2022 looks to be an early-drinking wine.
  • Istine 2021 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia, Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 96 (7/11/2024)

    The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Casanova dell'Aia is a picture-perfect example of Radda. Sage, mint, white pepper, crushed rocks, mint and dried herbs give the 2021 its intensely floral/savory/mineral style. Readers will find a Gran Selezione endowed with tons of tension and pure mineral drive.
  • Istine 2021 Vigna Cavarchione, Chianti Classico DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 96 (7/11/2024)

    The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Cavarchione is a polished, sensual wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, sage, menthol and licorice build effortlessly in a Gran Selezione that captures all the textural richness that is typical of this sector in Gaiole. Ripe, finessed tannins wrap it all together.
  • Istine 2021 'Levigne' Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
    Vinous
    Rating: 96 (7/11/2024)

    The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne is fabulous. Bright, punchy and vibrant, the 2021 is fabulous. Bright acids lift a core of red/purplish fruit, while floral and spice notes appear later and add freshness. This is the first vintage with a dollop of whole clusters (10%), an approach that works beautifully here. I also find the oak better integrated than in the past. I especially admire the wine's translucent energy.