2016 Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
The Chianti Classico from the iconic Isole-e-Olena estate comes high up on the buy list in terms of quality for money in this vintage. For Antonio Galloni, “a relentless drive for excellence” means that Isole-e-Olena is “among the world's elite wine estates.” Their 'classic' Chianti Classico is a quintessential example of the elegance and suppleness of the vintage, and we were seriously impressed upon tasting it. Furthermore, it offers extremely fair value for immense quality from an estate with the finest reputation. Isole-e-Olena makes one of the most elegant styles of Chianti Classico and the 2016 is true to form. Exuberant aromatics of ripe black cherry, violets, warm earth and a touch of light smoke. The tannins are fully ripe, gentle but not without some structure, allied with racy acids and a beautiful scented perfume that just sits above the red cherry fruit (bergamot tea, orange peel). Very well balanced and ready to drink.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Olive, cherry and blackberry, with both juiciness and flesh – much more forgiving and friendly than many Chiantis. Classic bright acidity and grainy tannins with wonderful persistence, and a good deal of pent-up ageability in that core fruit. There's a gentle vanilla oak scent just lurking in the background that works well too. (RH)
Here's a great value from Tuscany. The 2016 Chianti Classico opens to a stream of pretty aromas, with cherry, blue flower and potting soil at the front line. The wine is made with 82% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 3% Syrah. The fruit is fermented in stainless steel, and the wine ages in oak for a brief seven months. The effect is streamlined and compact, and the wine's natural freshness gives way to wild cherry, cassis and plum. An ample 120,000 bottles were made.
The 2016 Chianti Classico is a gorgeous wine that very much captures the essence of the house style. Bright floral and savory notes, sweet red cherry fruit, tobacco and mint are all finely knit in this super-appealing, mid-weight Chianti Classico from Isole e Olena. As always, the Chianti Classico here is lithe, aromatically precise and all about elegance.
About the producer
Situated north of Castellina, on the western side of Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena was created by the De Marchi family in the 1950s and has since become one of the region’s leading names. It is renowned for its top bottling Cepparello, a pure Sangiovese, as well as its brilliant Chardonnay.