Istine Chianti Classico Vigna Cavarchione 2018

100% Sangiovese. For decades the Fronti family has specialized in vineyard development and management for famous Tuscan wineries. The family also owned small vineyard plots in the Chianti Classico area, mostly in Radda with some in Gaiole. Some bulk wine was produced, but it wasn’t until Angela Fronti graduated from Enology school and convinced her father and uncle that they needed their own label that Istine was born. Their first wine was the 2009 Chianti Classico, of which less than 250 cases were made with fruit from the eponymous Istine vineyard. Always working naturally, Istine has been certified organic since 2016. The wines are aged the old-fashioned way, in large 20hl botti of neutral oak, after a prolonged skin maceration that can last as long as six weeks. Production is small - only about 60-70,000 bottles and the family does not envision expanding much. Their 26 hectares of galestro and alberese are some of the highest-elevation vineyards around: some 400-600 meters above sea level, which exactly suits their pure, linear aesthetic. The vineyards themselves are fragmented, in different zones with distinct characteristics. From the 2012 vintage, Angela began a project of separate vinification of Sangiovese depending on the vineyard of origin. Now, in addition to the Istine Chianti Classico, they make three different 'crus' of Chianti Classico coming from three distinct vineyard sites. The Cavarchione vineyard was planted in 2009/2010 to a mixture of high-quality Chianti Classico clones of Sangiovese. Located in the commune of Gaiole, near the hamlet of Vertine. Cavarchione shows a bright mid-red color; aromas and flavors of red fruit, herbs, pencil shavings, and game meat. Beefier than the other two crus, very balsamic, very long, very fresh, expressive, and clean. Just an outstanding wine, but this is no surprise as Angela is one of the most promising young talents in Italy. We will watch her career eagerly.