Wine tastingNo. 2Manciano
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Hidden Tuscany Rating
A Cabernet Sauvignon from the Isole e Olena estate, aged 24 months in barrels then two years in bottle, with well-documented winemaking practices. Main drawback: high price and no distinction or appellation specified.
Cabernet Sauvignon from the hills of Chianti Classico, but no specific appellation indicated; the link to terroir remains plausible without being demonstrated.
No award or guide mentioned in the file; the 96/100 score cited in the description is not attributed to a named source and is not taken into account.
Price of €98 for a 75 cl bottle under the regional appellation; expensive for what is described, with no distinction to justify it.
Recommended pairing with red meat, one-hour decanting, aging potential up to fifteen years; aromatic profile not specified, which limits the rating.
Named and located estate, De Marchi family since the 1950s, 45 hectares, 24 months of barrel aging (80% French oak, 20% American) followed by two years in bottle.
Independent rating, calculated from the property's public information and traveler reviews. Commissions received on bookings are not included in the rating.
How we rateThe wine
In the hills of Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena's Cabernet Sauvignon offers a different expression from its Sangiovese cuvées: more directly driven by the energy of the grape, yet crafted with a pursuit of finesse. I'm drawn to it for its long aging, its assertive tannic structure and its patiently built balance. The listing gives it an average expert score of 96/100, a noteworthy indication that does not replace the pleasure of tasting it at your own pace.
The Isole e Olena estate lies in the western part of Chianti Classico, amid rolling hills. The family property has been run by the De Marchis since the 1950s and brings together two neighboring estates, Isole and Olena, for a total of 45 hectares of vineyards. Their history goes back several centuries. Paolo De Marchi, representing the fourth generation, took the reins at 25, after deepening his experience in the vineyards of California and France. He notably made the estate known through its 100% Sangiovese cuvées; this Cabernet shows another facet of his work.
The wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grown on a few hectares planted at 400 meters of altitude. After vinification, it spends 24 months in barrels, 80% French oak and 20% American oak. It is then kept for two additional years in bottle, to soften its tannins and gain harmony. The available description does not specify the color of the wine or any particular aromas: I therefore prefer not to promise you notes of fruit, spice or wood that are not documented. It does, however, emphasize a blend of elegance and finesse with the power and energy of Cabernet, along with tannins that are at first pronounced and polished by time. The announced result is a structured wine, whose long aging aims at refinement rather than sheer vigor.
Je le servirais avec une viande rouge généreuse, accord conseillé pour accompagner sa structure et ses tanins. Prévois une heure de carafe avant le service. Tu peux aussi le garder en cave : il est indiqué comme dégustable dès maintenant, avec un potentiel de garde allant jusqu’à quinze ans. À toi de choisir entre la découverte d’un Cabernet déjà assagi par son élevage et l’attente, pour laisser le temps poursuivre son travail. Dans les deux cas, c’est une bouteille à ouvrir au cours d’un repas où l’on prend le temps de laisser le vin s’exprimer.
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