Chianti Classico Masterclass - Isole e Olena

The school's head tutor, Jimmy Smith, was recently invited out to Tuscany by the Consorzio Chianti Classico where he was blown away by the quality of one stunning estate, Isole e Olena. He was so impressed that he has organised an exciting tasting on the dynamic range which really does embody the 'Taste of Tuscany.'

Isole e Olena:

The estate is run by the enigmatic Paolo de Marchi, and is yet another that has seen a dramatic rise in quality over the last few decades. Paolo's family, originally from Piedmont (still owning vineyards there), purchased the estate in the 1960s. His attention to detail in both the vineyard and the winery was the driving force that turned quality around to the heights of today - back in the 1970s he was seen as a revolutionist, today he is seen as a traditionalist.

The wines have the Super Tuscan Cepparello at their head, a barrique-aged Sangiovese classified as an IGT - because at the time of its creation in the 1980s a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not legally be labelled as Chianti. There is a delicious Chianti Classico which Jimmy describes as 'the taste of Chianti Classico' from his quest to find the true expression on the region. There is a wonderful Vin Santo sweet wine, as well as some excellent wines from the Collezione de Marchi label, including the rather pricey Cabernet Sauvignon and a great Chardonnay.

Wines on Tasting:

• ‘Collezione De Marchi’ Chardonnay 2010 (RRP £30)
• Chianti Classico 2009 (£20)
• Chianti Classico 2008 (£20)
• Cepparello 2007 (SuperTuscan) (£45)
• Cepparello 2006 (SuperTuscan) (£40)
• ‘Collezione De Marchi’ Cabernet 2006 (£60)
• Vin Santo 2003 (Sweet wine) (£35 Half Bottle)

This is a wonderful tasting that will include much insider information on Chianti Classico as Jimmy Spent a whole afternoon at the estate with Paolo. Expect many pictures, lots of interesting information and of course seven great wines (all rated 90+ by Jimmy).

Places Available: 4

Course Date/Time: Wed 27th Jun 2012 at 7pm

Duration: 2 hours

Venue: The Wine Cellars, Fulham