96pts Vinous
The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne is fabulous. Bright, punchy and vibrant, the 2021 is fabulous. Bright acids lift a core of red/purplish fruit, while floral and spice notes appear later and add freshness. This is the first vintage with a dollop of whole clusters (10%), an approach that works beautifully here. I also find the oak better integrated than in the past. I especially admire the wine’s translucent energy. Drinking Window: 2025-2036

– ByAntonio GallonionJune 2024

Angela Fronti presented a fabulous set of wines. Istine fans will note the introduction of new offerings from vineyards and in Lamole and Vagliagli. Frontis transparent, nuanced wines remain some of the finest examples of the artisan vigneron spirit in Chianti Classico. The wines see 45 days in cement, with submerged cap maceration and aging in 30hL casks, 18 months for the single-vineyard Gran Seleziones and 24 months for the Riserva. One of the recent developments here has been the inclusion of a touch of stems in the Riserva with the 2021 vintage. I like a touch of whole clusters for freshness, as long as whole clusters dont mask the personality of Sangiovese and of site, Fronti explained. Readers will not want to miss these superb wines.

96 points Kerin O’Keefe: “Aromas recalling lavender, Mediterranean brush, wild berry and spice come to the forefront on the vibrant 2021 Le Vigne Riserva. Elegantly structured and aristocratic, the palate delivers succulent red cherry, ground clove, anise and juniper berry framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized. What a beauty. Drink 20262041. (Sep 2024)”

96 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): “A selection from the estates three vineyards Istine and Casanova dell’Aia in Radda, and Cavarchione in Gaiole this could be Istine’s best Riserva yet. And quality-wise, it stands on equally footing with owner Angela Frontis cru bottlings. As it ages for several months longer in wood, Fronti experimented with some whole bunch fruit from Cavarchione to inject freshness and elegance. Sumptuous aromas exude raspberry and dark cherry punctuated by mint and pepper. It reconciles a friskiness of spirit with a velvetiness of mouthfeel, where suede-textured tannins build with a youthful chewiness. An appetising finish of bitter forest roots. Drinking window 2026-2040 (Feb 2024)”