Isole e Olena Syrah 2019

Isole e Olena Syrah 2019 is a striking Tuscan interpretation of this classic Rhône grape, bottled here as part of the estate’s coveted Collezione Privata range. Crafted in tiny quantities, it marries generous, sun-drenched fruit with a refined structure and a distinctly Italian sense of freshness. This is a modern, cellar‑worthy Syrah that showcases how seriously Tuscany now takes this variety, offering both immediate pleasure and long-term interest.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Syrah shows a deep, opaque ruby-purple hue with a vibrant rim, hinting at both concentration and youth. The nose is layered and expressive, opening with dark plums, blackberries and blueberry compote, followed by black pepper, sweet baking spices, and a dusting of cocoa. There are floral notes of violet and blue flowers, alongside hints of crushed stone and a subtle, creamy, almost milk-chocolate edge from its time in barrique. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, with a soft, velvety entry that quickly reveals its intensity. Ripe black and blue fruits are framed by finely grained tannins and a fresh, balancing acidity that keeps the 15% alcohol in check. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, licorice and cracked black pepper fold into nuances of espresso, vanilla and cedar. The finish is long, polished and spicy, with a lingering mineral note. While already approachable, this 2019 has the structure and concentration to evolve beautifully over 8–12 years, gaining complexity and tertiary notes with proper cellaring.

Production
The Syrah for this wine comes from Isole e Olena’s high‑lying vineyards in the heart of Tuscany, where a mix of galestro (friable schist), limestone and clay soils, combined with cool nights, help deliver both ripeness and aromatic lift. Grapes are typically hand-harvested at optimal maturity to ensure healthy, concentrated fruit, with careful sorting in the cellar. Fermentation generally takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, with extended maceration to extract color, flavor and refined tannins. The wine is then aged for about 18 months in barriques, predominantly French oak with a small proportion of American oak, roughly one-third of which are new. This regimen brings complexity and texture while maintaining a seamless integration of oak with the vibrant Tuscan fruit.

Food & Serving
This generous yet refined Syrah pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes such as grilled lamb chops, bistecca alla fiorentina, braised short ribs, slow-cooked beef ragù, and roasted game birds. It also works well with aged hard cheeses like Pecorino Toscano or mature Parmigiano Reggiano. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both fruit and spice, and consider decanting for 1–2 hours to let the aromatics unfurl and to soften the alcohol’s impact, especially while the wine is still young.

Producer
Isole e Olena is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, located in the western part of Chianti Classico. The property, as it exists today, was formed in the 1950s by uniting two neighboring hamlets, Isole and Olena, but it rose to international prominence under the visionary leadership of Paolo De Marchi from the 1970s onward. Known for elevating Sangiovese and for creating the iconic Cepparello, De Marchi also championed select international varieties like Syrah, demonstrating their potential in Tuscan terroir. Isole e Olena is widely regarded as a benchmark producer in the region, consistently earning critical acclaim for its clarity of terroir, balance, and age‑worthy wines.

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