Isole e Olena Chianti Classico

An old favourite, both in terms of the quality and style of wine produced, but also the inspiration behind it all- Paolo di Marchi, one of the truest gents in the wine world. This is the last vintage before he decided to sell to the owners of Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Biondi Santi- a vintage of fitting quality to see him off!

Isole e Olena is in the western part of Chianti Classico, just north of the village of Castellina. Its 45 hectares of vineyard are planted between 350 – 450 metres above sea level, primarily on galestro soil (a kind of rocky, schistous clay). Because the western flank of Chianti is open to breezes from the sea, this is a much cooler part of the zone, resulting in lighter but more scented and elegant wines than many others.

This is a little fuller than most Isole Chiantis, weighing in at 14.5% alcohol, and delivering a dense core of red cherry fruit. The complexity emerges as it opens up, with notes of wild herb and spice. Compelling stuff already, but can't wait to try this again in a few years.