Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena

Note:

Nice deepish, bright purple-ruby colour. An attractively full colour – but definitely not extracted or soupy. And then: “Oh Hello There !” on the nose. Wow. It’s Chianti Jim – but not as we (I) know it. Really, really extrovert and s*xy nose of packed with freshly crushed dark berries – from cherry through to blueberry, all overlaid by an intensely floral, violet and gravel aspect. Almond ? Tar ? Medium bodied (+) – but has a lovely, silky texture. The flavours follow from the nose: fresh dark berries, violets, a hint of almond, a touch of gravel and the very barest hint of dark chocolate or espresso. Wonderful. This is neither the extracted **** made by some of the modernists, nor the lighter, and often astringent earthy style of the traditionalists. And yet it is still recognisably Chianti and very Italian. A gorgeous Italian. Not a pretentious wine, just a delicious one. A solid 9/10 with the Parmesan – not quite the dreamteam match up of the Soave and Seppie perhaps, but pretty damn satisfying.