Isole e Olena Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Isole e Olena Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Collezione Privata is a powerful Tuscan interpretation of Bordeaux varieties, crafted in a particularly warm and dry vintage. This is an intense, concentrated red that showcases the estate’s mastery of Cabernet in the hills of Chianti Classico, produced in very limited quantities (around 5,000 bottles). The 2017 blend—90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot—pushes ripeness and structure to the edge, offering a bold, ageworthy expression of Toscana.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 shows a deep, opaque ruby core with purple reflections, hinting at its concentration and youth. The nose is brooding and compact at first, then opens to layers of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum, framed by notes of graphite, cedar, dried Mediterranean herbs, tobacco and a touch of dark chocolate and espresso from barrel aging. On the palate, this is full-bodied, dense and tightly wound, with a core of black fruit—cassis, black cherry and mulberry—wrapped in firm, assertive tannins. The warmth of the vintage is evident in the ripeness and richness of the fruit, yet there is still a fresh, savory undertone of earth, pencil shavings and spice. The tannins are currently muscular and somewhat angular, giving a serious, structured profile that will need time in bottle to soften. Expect this wine to evolve over 10–15+ years, gradually gaining complexity and polish; while the tannins may never become fully silky, they should integrate enough to deliver a more harmonious and layered experience with age.

Production
The fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata comes from Isole e Olena’s vineyards in the hills of central Tuscany, within the Chianti Classico zone, where altitudes, stony galestro and limestone-rich soils, and marked diurnal temperature swings help preserve freshness even in hot years. The very warm, dry 2017 season produced small, thick-skinned berries with high concentration and naturally robust tannins. Grapes are carefully hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the best clusters make it into the final blend. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, with attentive extraction to balance color, flavor and tannin. The wine is then aged in French oak barriques (a portion new), allowing structure to develop and the varietal character of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to knit together before bottling in limited quantities.

Food & Serving
This is a serious, structured red that shines alongside equally robust dishes: think grilled Fiorentina steak, slow-braised beef short ribs, venison, lamb shanks, or rich stews and ragùs with rosemary and thyme. Aged pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano and other hard cheeses also make excellent partners. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Bordeaux-style glasses to allow the aromas to unfurl. Decant generously—at least 1–2 hours for current drinking—to help soften the tannins and bring out the wine’s dark fruit and savory complexity.

Producer
Isole e Olena is one of Tuscany’s benchmark estates, located in the heart of Chianti Classico between Florence and Siena. Run for decades by the De Marchi family, the winery has been instrumental in raising the quality and international reputation of the region’s wines, combining traditional Tuscan roots with a willingness to experiment, particularly with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. The Collezione Privata range represents the estate’s most personal and ambitious bottlings, often produced in small volumes from selected parcels. Over the years, Isole e Olena has earned a loyal following and critical acclaim worldwide, recognized for its elegant yet characterful wines that capture both the terroir of Chianti Classico and the finesse of top-tier Tuscan reds.

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