Istine, Levigne 2021 – Chianti Classico Riserva

(organic) The wine has a ruby color of medium intensity. The nose is fragrant and offers a certain aromatic concentration and density. It initially expresses a racy mineral framework (limestone, dry stone, as well as a touch of smoke), combined with aromas of tart red cherry, raspberry, crushed blueberry, as well as morello cherry and dried blackcurrant in the background. After aeration, the wine expresses toasted and spicy notes (toasted hazelnut, coffee, a hint of vanilla, fresh licorice and grated nutmeg), as well as aromatic herbs (dried thyme, dried rosemary, a hint of peppermint) and smoke. The palate is enveloping, juicy and fresh. It expresses notes of red cherry, morello cherry, raspberry, red currant and blueberry, combined with a hint of roasting (toasted hazelnut, coffee in the background, cocoa nibs), sweet spices (licorice, black pepper in the background, licorice) and aromatic herbs (thyme, a hint of peppermint). The tannins are well-built, firm, but polished and not drying. The finish is persistent, sapid, with a good bitterness, tangy and smoky touch of bergamot, as well as a toasted and chocolatey hint, balanced by a salivating acidity.