Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2020 Toscana DOCG
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 93] [DM 93] [WS 93]

Notes from the Winemaker:
The Chianti Classico DOCG is a blend of Sangiovese with Canaiolo, unique to Isole e Olena, which brings bright acidity, great balance and a long finish to this classic wine.

Tasting Notes:

Crafted to capture the fruit flavors and bouquet of Chianti, this wine shows great balance and drinkability with a lively acidity to pair with a wide range of foods. Our goal is to produce an outstanding Chianti Classico which expresses the site and our traditional varieties, Sangiovese and Canaiolo.

Vintage Notes:

A cool spring was followed by a long, hot summer, with good day-night temperature variation (the minimum temperatures were quite moderate in both July and August) allowing the grapes to complete their maturation perfectly. Also important was the absence of water shortage, thanks to rain in June and September. All these factors made for another excellent year for Chianti Classico, with great structure and balance.

SOIL: Limestone, clay slate, marl and sandstone
ELEVATION: 350-480 meters (1,148–1,5745 feet) above sea level

VARIETAL: Sangiovese with a small amount of Canaiolo and other varietals
ALCOHOL: 14%

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - James Suckling:

"Lots of ripe fruit flavors with orange peel and stony minerality. Medium- to full-bodied with an array of round, velvety tannins. Even and broad with a lingering finish. Very attractive. Drink or hold." (April 2023)

93 Points - Decanter:

"One of Chianti Classico’s most illustrious properties, Isole e Olena was established in 1956. After more than 45 years at the helm, Paolo de Marchi sold the estate last year to luxury company EPI, which also acquired Biondi Santi in 2016. This 2020 takes some time to reveal its tempting fragrance. Wafting flint, cardamom and pepper make way for early spring blossoms and red berries. It has a graceful flow along with a sumptuousness and succulence of raspberry and red plum. Fine powdery tannins frame it. A juicy follow up to the excellent 2019." Drink 2023-2029. - Michaela Morris (February 2023)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:

"A complex red, with a core of cherry and strawberry fruit framed by almond, loamy earth and iron notes. Silky yet solidly built, with excellent balance and a long, fruit- and mineral-tinged aftertaste. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Best from 2025 through 2033. 3,900 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (October 2023)