Viniou Reviews
Isole e Olena’s Chianti Classico 2022 is a splendid representation of the region’s renowned Sangiovese-based reds. Crafted predominantly from Sangiovese, with possible touches of Canaiolo and other traditional varieties, this vintage showcases youthful vibrancy, structure, and elegance. The 2022 harvest benefited from warm Mediterranean days and cool nights, yielding grapes with concentrated yet balanced flavours. Winemaking at Isole e Olena embraces both modern and traditional techniques, typically fermenting the wine in stainless steel before maturing it in large barrels and a modest proportion of French oak, allowing for a harmonious integration of fruit purity and subtle complexity. The result is a Chianti Classico with expressive aromas of cherry, wild berries, violet, and a hint of spice, underpinned by fine tannins and a fresh, lively acidity.
The Chianti Classico DOCG stretches between Florence and Siena and lies in the heart of Tuscany. This historical region has long been prized for its gently rolling hills, rich in galestro and alberese soils – a mix of limestone and shale that provides excellent drainage and mineral depth to the wines. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with warm summers tempered by altitude and cool breezes, ensuring a slow, even ripening of the grapes. Chianti’s winemaking heritage goes back centuries, and producers like Isole e Olena blend respect for tradition with an openness to precision and refinement, making this area a benchmark for Italian red wines.
The vibrant acidity and medium-bodied profile of this Chianti Classico make it a versatile partner for a wide range of dishes. It pairs wonderfully with rustic Tuscan fare such as bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù over pappardelle, or tomato-based pasta dishes. Aged cheeses such as pecorino, as well as grilled vegetables or roasted poultry, also make excellent matches, bringing out the wine’s savoury and herbal nuances.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving will allow its aromatics to open up. The 2022 vintage can be enjoyed now for its youthful charm, but it also has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next several years.
