Isole e Olena Syrah 2018

Isole e Olena Syrah 2018 is a limited-production Tuscan red that marries the depth of Syrah with a distinctly Italian sense of elegance. Co-fermented with a touch (2%) of Viognier, it delivers lifted aromatics and a polished, modern profile while staying rooted in the hills of Tuscany. This Collezione Privata bottling showcases Isole e Olena’s pioneering work with non-traditional varieties in Chianti Classico, reflecting decades of experimentation and refinement.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Syrah shows a deep ruby to purple core with vibrant, youthful hues at the rim. The nose is generous and layered, opening with ripe blackberry and dark plum, then evolving toward dried blackberries, hints of fruitcake and Christmas spice, alongside notes of cracked pepper, sweet baking spice, and a touch of cocoa. As it opens, classic Syrah nuances emerge: air-dried meat, smoked charcuterie, and a subtle sweet grill smoke. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet refined, with a velvety texture that glides across the mid-palate. Ripe dark fruit—blackberry, black cherry, and plum—interweaves with savory notes of cured meat, black olive tapenade, and gentle smoke, framed by fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity that keep the richness in check. The finish is long and spicy, echoing with clove, allspice, and a faint herbal warmth. While already accessible with a soft, plush mouthfeel, the underlying structure and concentration suggest very good aging potential, rewarding 8–12 years in the cellar from vintage with further complexity and integration.

Production
Isole e Olena’s estate vineyards sit in the rolling hills of Tuscany between Castellina in Chianti and Barberino Val d’Elsa, at moderate to high elevations with a mix of galestro (schistous marl), limestone, and clay-rich soils. This terroir offers both warmth for full ripening of Syrah and cooling breezes that help preserve acidity and aromatic lift. Grapes are typically hand-harvested in small batches to ensure optimal ripeness and careful selection in the vineyard and at the sorting table. For this Collezione Privata, Syrah is co-fermented with about 2% Viognier, a classic Northern Rhône technique that enhances color stability and aromatic intensity. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, followed by maturation in oak (often a mix of barriques and larger casks), where the wine gains texture, integration, and nuanced spice without overshadowing the purity of fruit.

Food & Serving
This Syrah is a natural partner for substantial, flavor-packed dishes: think Tuscan-style grilled bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb shanks, slow-cooked beef ragù, or game such as venison and wild boar. It also pairs beautifully with charcuterie, aged pecorino, and dishes featuring roasted mushrooms or smoky, grilled vegetables. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) for optimal expression of fruit and spice. Decant for 45–60 minutes in its youth to allow the wine to open and soften, especially if enjoyed within the first few years after release; older bottles can be decanted gently just before serving to remove sediment while preserving delicate aromatics.

Producer
Isole e Olena is one of Tuscany’s benchmark estates, located in the heart of Chianti Classico and long recognized for its combination of tradition and innovation. Under the guidance of Paolo De Marchi, the winery helped redefine the quality image of the region from the late 20th century onward, emphasizing low yields, meticulous vineyard work, and thoughtful experimentation with both indigenous and international varieties. While best known for its refined Chianti Classico and the celebrated Cepparello, Isole e Olena’s Collezione Privata wines—such as this Syrah—highlight the estate’s pioneering spirit and its ability to express Tuscan terroir through a broader palette of grapes. The estate is widely respected by critics and collectors alike, and its wines are regarded as reference points for elegance, balance, and ageworthiness in the region.

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