Istine Rosato Toscana IGT ‘24

Angela Fronti is a leader among the winemakers who have focused on improving the quality of the wines produced in the Chianti region. Similar to her wines, she is high energy, effusively charming and intense, yet tempered by elegance and humility. For decades, Angela’s family specialized in developing and managing vineyards for famous Tuscan wineries. It was only a matter of time before someone in the Fronti family began producing wine from its estate vineyards. In 2009, Angela produced around 250 cases of Istine Chianti Classico.

Istine consists of 20 hectares, comprising high-altitude, small vineyards in the Chianti Classico area, mostly in Radda with some in Gaiole: Istine Vineyard (between Radda and Castellina), Casanova Vineyard (near Radda) and Cavarchione Vineyard (near Gaiole). The high altitude and predominantly rocky soils ensure freshness, elegance, and good acidity even in warm vintages. The vineyards consist of indigenous varieties, mainly Sangiovese. Although the vineyards were conventionally farmed before 2009, Angela prioritized converting the viticulture to organic methods, and these practices parallel her noninterventionist style in the cellar. The estate has been certified organic since 2016.

The rosato is made solely from Sangiovese, and most of the grapes come from the Cavarchione vineyard, a certified organic vineyard planted between 2009 and 2010 in Gaiole, in Chianti. The fruit macerated on the skins for about six hours, and fermentation and maturation took place in stainless steel tanks.

The nose offers aromas of wild strawberries and red cherries, grapefruit peel, bergamot, fresh green herbs, and fennel. The palate is medium weight, yet cut by vibrant acidity, and great length. Pair this wine with panzanella salad, grilled salmon, vegetable dishes of all sorts, or a simple plate of cheese, salumi, and olives.