WineLovers Discussion Group

2001 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico
Tuscany

This wine came up recently in conversation here--apparently there were some bad lots of 2001s from this producer. Well, I'm happy to report that my bottle was fine: a bit lighter than I expected for the both CC and the vintage (or I don't understand IO's house style, which is true) with some green notes, but it was nonetheless a traditionally styled Chianti of some finesse that worked well with our dinner of ravioli in marinara sauce.

I've seen this around and have been tempted to purchase but just havent. It's always good to find a nice red sauce wine. thanks!

Bill--I sure am not expressing myself very clearly today. I meant to give the impression that the wine was okay with the ravioli, but a little lighter for that duty than I'd have liked (where for me Chianti usually shines). Now why didn't I just come out and say that?

Now why didn't I just come out and say that?

Ahhh, now I get it! Thanks for the clarification.

I meant to give the impression that the wine was okay with the ravioli, but a little lighter for that duty than I'd have liked (where for me Chianti usually shines).

Jenise,
This is one of my favorite producers. They did a very bad job in '02 but so did most people. I am surprised the '01 is that light. I have not opened any '01 because this is an age worthy vintage. I drink '98, '00, '99 '01 in that order. Haven't had the '01 IeO yet so certainly am not arguing with your assesment, just a little surprised.
Walt

I've usually found the Isole CC to be lighter than say Fontodi or Felsina (my go-to producers). If pressed I would say that I could very well survive on Felsina alone for CC.

There is still considerable variation between the communes of Chianti Classico, and Isole is in Barberino, which is typically relatively light and fresh and sour-cherryish, in contrast to, say, the plummy/velvety quality of Panzano/Greve or the bigger wines of Castelnuovo Berardenga. (The producers that are using Bordeaux varieties tend to show much less variation, obviously, which is one of the reasons why I avoid such wines.)

That said, I haven't been wowed by the recent vintages of Isole CC, although I have a lot of respect for the proprietor and love the Ceparello.

David, Walter and Oliver, thanks for the input. Sounds like the house style is on the lighter side--always so helpful to know. I've only had one other IeO, which was someone else's better and I don't recall which of their wines it was except that it was heavier than this. I'm certainly not complaining--I *did* enjoy the wine and in fact I'm craving lighter wines these days. I just wouldn't have paired it with this dish vs. something a little more robust and rustic.

Jenise,

Might have you been expecting a "Riserva"?

Tonight I am having a very odd 02 CC Riserva Ducale Ruffino. Way too much tar and leather for my taste, with no herbal/spice/tea notes that usually makes me do cartwheels. This wine is reminding me of some of the few Bordeauxs I have had recently - very odd.

I don't think I have had the IO Chianti Classico yet - may need to try it.

Was that the Oro bottling, Paulo?
I usually like that wine but remember that '02 was pretty ugly in Tuscany...and in Piedmont....and southern France.

Bill Buitenhuys wrote:Was that the Oro bottling, Paulo?
I usually like that wine but remember that '02 was pretty ugly in Tuscany...and in Piedmont....and southern France.

Nah.... the Riserva Ducale. It tastes like left over espresso coffee grind. Must be the vintage. I was in central Italy in August of 2002 and it rained and stormed constantly - very humid and muggy.

Paulo, no, wasn't expecting a Riserva at all. Just, say, 20% more robustness than I found to be at the level of what I think is a typical Chianti in a really good year.

Jenise wrote:Paulo, no, wasn't expecting a Riserva at all. Just, say, 20% more robustness than I found to be at the level of what I think is a typical Chianti in a really good year.

Wow - now I am curious. I am about to step out to buy wines for this weekend and will look for this chianti. I should bring a sangiovese wine to this gathering any way!

Jenise wrote:Paulo, no, wasn't expecting a Riserva at all. Just, say, 20% more robustness than I found to be at the level of what I think is a typical Chianti in a really good year.

You know, I just checked my Vino Italiano buying guide (which I use as a starting point) and they say this chianti shows the "pinot noir-ish side of sangiovese", so, it makes sense what you are saying, which makes me want to taste it!!!!!

shows the "pinot noir-ish side of sangiovese"

Great way to put it. And it was good, and it was young yet (as Walt says). It's only flaw was not being quite what I expected/wanted for that dish.