Istine Chianti Classico Cavarchione Gran Selezione 2022

Located in the commune of Gaiole and planted in 2010, the Cavarchione vineyard produces punchy wines that are usually a bit more broad-shouldered than Angela's other crus. Dense and explosive, a blast of dark cheery, blackberry, graphite, dried herbs, menthol, and sage set the tone here. This is a potent wine that really showcases the distinctive textural richness of Gaiole, with ripe, finely honed tannins that bring the wine into perfect harmony. Time in the glass releases the aromatics nicely. With a long, inviting finish, this is the definition of elegance meets power. 

Istine only works with autochthonous varieties, so it's 100% Sangiovese with their Chiantis, and has been certified organic since 2016. The wines are aged the old-fashioned way, in large 20hl botti grandi 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 (rocky schist) and alberese (sandstone) are some of the highest-elevation vineyards around: some 400-600 meters above sea level, which exactly suits their pure, linear aesthetic.