Istine Chianti Classico Vigna Istine 2018

The Istine vineyard is 5 ha in Radda at an altitude of 500 metres and a northwest orientation. The soil here is very rocky, mainly alberese with also marl limestone, galestro and some quartz here and there. A very cool vineyard, therefore, and Angela harvests these up to 3 weeks after the others. The vines here are traditionally pruned in "cordone speronate", but Angela now converts them to "simple Guyot" to better control yields. The wine ferments in stainless steel cuves at a maximum temperature of 30°C with regular remontages (pumping over). The skin soaking lasts up to 45 days! Afterwards, the wine goes into 10hl to 40 hl Austrian oak barrels from Stockinger or Pauscha. Everything is put on quality here! Vigna Istine is a truly magnificent and extremely varietal, powerful and fresh Chianti Classico with a quasi-perfect balance between concentration and freshness and a wonderfully long finish.

Istine is not very well known yet, but make no mistake, this is really a top domain!

AntonioGalloni (Vinous):"The 2018 Chianti Classico Vigna Istine is fabulous. Dark cherry, spice, leather and tobacco are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. The 2018 is distinguished by its creamy personality and breadth. Readers will find a striking Chianti Classico that embodies all of the energy and translucence of Radda."94/100

Antonio Galloni (Vinous):"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."