Angela Fronti Istine Levigne Chianti Classico Riserva 2020

This Chianti Classico Riserva comes from Istine, the family estate of Angela Fronti in the hills of central Tuscany, made from Sangiovese and farmed organically. The vines grow on the region's galestro and alberese soils, the friable marl and limestone that drain freely, keep yields low and give Chianti Classico its bright acidity, fine tannin and savoury character. The hills are warm by day and cool at night, and that swing ripens this late, thin-skinned grape fully while holding the acidity and herbal aromatics that mark the appellation. The wine is aged 21 months in oak barrels and a further three months in bottle before release, ageing that softens the firm Sangiovese tannins and adds spice and structure through slow oxygen exchange while letting the fruit and earth stay in front. The colour is deep ruby turning garnet. The nose shows ripe cherry and plum, dried Mediterranean herbs, turned earth, tobacco and leather, with a frame of oak. The palate is medium to full bodied with high acidity, firm grippy tannins and a long, savoury, dry finish. Serve at 16 to 18C and decant an hour ahead. It suits beef, lamb and tomato-based dishes.