Istine
550 Merlot 2021
| Denomination | IGT Toscana |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Area | Tuscany (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Aging | Aged for 12 months in 5 hl tonneaux |
- Identity: Still organic red wine Toscana IGT, pure Merlot, 2021 harvest
- Vineyard: In Radda in Chianti, altitude 480–550m, north-facing, vines planted in 2002
- Vinification: 30-day maceration in cement; 15-day fermentation at a maximum of 28°C
- Ageing: 12 months in 5-hectolitre tonneaux to achieve soft tannins and balanced flavour
- Tasting: Vivid ruby; notes of morello cherry and undergrowth; savoury and balsamic finish
Description
What kind of wine it is
Istine 550 Merlot is an organic red wine produced in the renowned Tuscan region. Made exclusively from Merlot grapes, it displays a vibrant ruby colour, enhanced by bright violet highlights. The bouquet reveals clear scents of undergrowth and morello cherry, accompanied by notes of bramble flower, pine resin, star anise and pink pepper. On the palate, it is rounded and broad, characterised by a pronounced gustatory tension and polished tannins. The lively freshness paves the way for a savoury finish, enriched by elegant balsamic nuances.
Where it comes from
The vines grow in the Istine vineyard, in Radda in Chianti, one of the highest areas of the region. Situated between 480 and 550 metres above sea level, they benefit from a cool northern exposure that slows the ripening of the grapes, preserving the finesse of the fruit. The soils, marked by steep slopes and surrounded by dense oak forests, are distinguished by their stony richness and the alternation of marly limestones such as Alberese and Galestro. The management strictly follows the principles of organic farming, ensuring an authentic expression of the high hillside terroir.
How it is produced
The vinification process begins with meticulous manual harvesting to select the best bunches directly from the rows. This is followed by a long maceration on the skins for about thirty days in cement vats, where fermentation at controlled temperature also takes place. Malolactic fermentation is also carried out in cement to preserve the integrity of the must. Ageing continues in fine barrels for twelve months, a crucial phase to soften the structure and give the wine a clean and balanced finish.
History and Curiosities
Founded in 1982, the Istine company produces this refined single-variety Merlot under the guidance of oenologist Angela Fronti. Grown in Radda in Chianti at altitudes between 480 and 550 metres, the vines benefit from a cool northern exposure. This particular climate requires a delayed harvest, later than that of Sangiovese, which is essential to preserve the elegance of the grapes and avoid over-ripening. The result of strict organic farming, the wine matures for twelve months in tonneaux, capturing the authentic soul of the high Tuscan hills.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1982
- Oenologist: Angela Fronti
- Bottles produced: 120.000
- Hectares: 27
With the introduction of the second generation into the company, it is natural to start our own production in the bottle. The 2009 harvest and the first 3000 bottles of Chianti Classico concretely represent what has always been the great passion for wine, thus integrating and completing the family business.
The commitment for the future is to evolve and grow, while remaining faithful to the traditions and to our territory, trying to enhance as much as possible what nature is offering us and the viticultural peculiarities of the highest lands of the Chianti region.
We are certified organic since 2016. We believe in respect for nature, for the people working in the vineyard and for those who taste the wine in the glass. Read more
| Name | Istine 550 Merlot 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red organic still |
| Denomination | Toscana IGT |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Vendor | Istine |
| Story | History and Curiosities Founded in 1982, the Istine company produces this refined single-variety Merlot under the guidance of oenologist Angela Fronti. Grown in Radda in Chianti at altitudes between 480 and 550 metres, the vines benefit from a cool northern exposure. This particular climate requires a delayed harvest, later than that of Sangiovese, which is essential to preserve the elegance of the grapes and avoid over-ripening. The result of strict organic farming, the wine matures for twelve months in tonneaux, capturing the authentic soul of the high Tuscan hills. |
| Origin | Radda in Chianti (Tuscany), Istine vineyard |
| Climate | Altitude: 480–550 m a.s.l.; exposure: north |
| Soil composition | Ricco di scheletro con alternanza di calcari marnosi (Alberese e Galestro), molto pendente e circondato da un fitto bosco di querce |
| Cultivation system | Guyot |
| Plants per hectare | 5000 |
| Fermentation temperature | Maximum 28 °C |
| Fermentation | Approximately 15 days |
| Production technique | Macerazione sulle bucce per circa 30 giorni in vasche di cemento; fermentazione alcolica per circa 15 giorni in vasche di cemento a temperatura controllata (massimo 28 °C); fermentazione malolattica in vasche di cemento; affinamento 12 mesi in tonneaux da 5 hl |
| Wine making | Maceration on the skins for about 30 days in cement tanks. Alcoholic fermentation for about 15 days in cement tanks at a controlled temperature (maximum 28°C). Malolactic fermentation in cement tanks. Ageing for 12 months in 5 hl tonneaux. |
| Aging | Aged for 12 months in 5 hl tonneaux |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |