ORGANICALLY FARMED
JANCIS ROBINSON 17++ POINTS - "Lustrous mid ruby. Still youthful and not fully open on the fruit. Suave, juicy and pure on the palate with waves of sandy tannins. Fantastic balance. Simply irresistible." - Walter Speller
KERIN O'KEEFE 93 POINTS - "Aromas of fragrant blue flower, Mediterranean scrub and wild berry form the nose on the expressive 2023 Chianti Classico from Istine. Rounder than usual, the succulent, savory palate features juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange, white pepper and star anise before closing on an almond note. Polished tannins offer gentle support."
"The first vintage of Istine was in 2009. The estate consists of a group of small high-altitude vineyards around the town of Radda (one over the border in Gaiole) and, originally, a 'winery' that reminded me of the Wine Ghetto in Lompoc; a corner of a light industrial space with a basket press and a few large barrels in it. Now they’ve built a proper stone winery building, and even a tasting room...If I wanted to show someone what Chianti Classico tastes like, in a perfect world, I would give them Istine’s. No foreign grapes, no French oak. Just the traditional grapes and methods, and it works. Bright medium red color; classic aromas and flavors of sour cherry, herbs and sandalwood; medium weight with a long finish..." -OLIVER MCCRUM, IMPORTER
JANCIS ROBINSON 17++ POINTS - "Lustrous mid ruby. Still youthful and not fully open on the fruit. Suave, juicy and pure on the palate with waves of sandy tannins. Fantastic balance. Simply irresistible." - Walter Speller
KERIN O'KEEFE 93 POINTS - "Aromas of fragrant blue flower, Mediterranean scrub and wild berry form the nose on the expressive 2023 Chianti Classico from Istine. Rounder than usual, the succulent, savory palate features juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange, white pepper and star anise before closing on an almond note. Polished tannins offer gentle support."
"The first vintage of Istine was in 2009. The estate consists of a group of small high-altitude vineyards around the town of Radda (one over the border in Gaiole) and, originally, a 'winery' that reminded me of the Wine Ghetto in Lompoc; a corner of a light industrial space with a basket press and a few large barrels in it. Now they’ve built a proper stone winery building, and even a tasting room...If I wanted to show someone what Chianti Classico tastes like, in a perfect world, I would give them Istine’s. No foreign grapes, no French oak. Just the traditional grapes and methods, and it works. Bright medium red color; classic aromas and flavors of sour cherry, herbs and sandalwood; medium weight with a long finish..." -OLIVER MCCRUM, IMPORTER
