Angela Fronti
ISTINE – CHIANTI CLASSICO, TUSCANY (BORN 1981)
‘When I was younger, I completely rejected agriculture because everyone in my family worked in farming,’ confesses Angela Fronti. She eventually surrendered to her roots and completed her studies in viticulture and oenology. Even then, she didn’t return to her family’s Chianti Classico property until she was in her 30s. ‘I thought: if I don’t do it now, I will never do it.’
As the Fronti family previously sold wine in bulk to larger wineries, the first vintage under the Istine label was 2009. Fronti was adamant about converting to organic practices, is equally committed to indigenous varieties, and has completely embraced her particular corner of Chianti Classico. ‘I love Sangiovese from Radda in Chianti, because here Sangiovese really shows the territory,’ she enthuses. She has also chosen to manage all aspects of the winery herself rather than hire a consultant. ‘It’s exhausting, but marvellously rewarding.’
Despite Fronti’s initial hesitation to produce wine, hers are unequivocally decisive and sing beautifully of their origins. There is no doubt she has followed the right path.
Istine, Le Vigne, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany 2015 96
£ 31.68 City Wine Collection, Tannico
Crafted from the best grapes of Istine’s three vineyards – two in Radda, the other in Gaiole – and aged in large Slavonian oak casks. The purity of fruit here is striking. Ripe red and black cherry, redcurrant and violet mingle with truffle and forest nuances. This allies fruit density with a lightness of texture. Fine tannins build, coating the palate and promising a long life ahead. Racy, juicy and explosive on the finish. 2021-2033 Alc 13.5%