Description
The Gin London Dry “Le Coccole di Dante” is a natural evolution of Istine’s Vermouth production. Surrounded by forests rich in wild juniper, the winery decided to pay tribute to this native plant and to the rural traditions of Radda in Chianti. In Radda, juniper berries are called “coccole”, and Dante was the last sharecropper to live on the Istine estate. Among his many farming activities, he would gather these precious berries in the surrounding woods.
The recipe for this gin is built on the desire to enhance the juniper, which remains the dominant element over the other botanicals. After being hand-harvested and carefully selected, the juniper berries are sent to Bordiga Distillery in Piedmont, where Istine also collaborates for the production of its Vermouth. Here, they are infused in a hydroalcoholic solution for about 48 hours, along with coriander, angelica seeds, cardamom, lemon peel, and sweet orange peel. The distillation process takes place using a discontinuous bain-marie still, a technique that preserves the aromatic integrity of the botanicals.
The result is a brilliant, crystal-clear gin, with an aromatic profile that strongly expresses the balsamic and resinous notes of juniper, balanced by delicate citrus and spicy hints. The palate is dry and elegant, with a persistent finish that highlights the freshness of citrus peels and the warmth of the spices.
The label, designed by Rakele Tondini, is a tribute to Dante and to all those who lived and worked at Istine before today, keeping the agricultural traditions of the region alive.
Technical Details:
- Type: London Dry Gin
- Alcohol content: 44%
- Ingredients: Grain alcohol, wild juniper from Radda, coriander, angelica seeds, cardamom, lemon peel, sweet orange peel
- Distilled at: Bordiga 1888, Cuneo – Piedmont
- Average production: 3,000 bottles per year
- Bottle size: 500 ml
Perfect for mixology, Le Coccole di Dante Gin is ideal for classic cocktails such as Gin & Tonic or Negroni, but it can also be enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its aromatic depth. This distillate tells the story of Radda in Chianti and its territory, carrying on a tradition rooted in the past while embracing modern innovation.