2022 Istine - Chianti Classico (750ml)

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Istine’s wines are outrageous, and I love them wholeheartedly. There are other great Chianti producers (especially in Radda, where Istine is based), but who is making wine this good for these prices? This is pretty Sangiovese that’s all about red fruit, flowers, herbs, and structural finesse. To me, that's what high-elevation Chianti is all about.
 
This is a family estate, but not an ancient one. The Frontis first purchased vines in 1982, making wine that was sold in bulk. Things began in earnest when oenologist Angela Fronti joined in 2009, convincing her father and her uncle to bottle the wines under the Istine label. A few years later, Angela was in sole control, converting to organic viticulture and making a single-vineyard wine in addition to the straight Chianti Classico. 
 
The ‘22 Chianti Classico is a beautiful wine, possibly the prettiest Sangiovese you can get for less than $30 and discounts 10% on any 12 bottle or more mixed case buy. Don’t miss it! From a blend of sites, mostly in Radda. Average altitude 500 meters. Typically high-toned, but a little richer due to the warmth of the 2022 vintage.

 “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.

…Fronti’s transparent, nuanced wines remain some of the finest examples of the artisan vigneron spirit in Chianti Classico…Readers will not want to miss these superb wines.” - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com