Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2021 Toscana DOCG
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 94] [DM 94] [WA 93] [VM 91] [WS 91]

About the Vineyards: 
The grapes are grown on the ISOLE e OLENA estate which covers 290 hectares in the heart of the Chianti Classico hills between Florence and Siena, of which 51 are planted with vines. The vineyards are approximately 400-500 meters above sea level and face south west. Paolo De Marchi took over the running of the family owned estate in the mid 1970’s and his first vintage there was the 1976. 

Soil: Limestone, clay slate, marl and sandstone

Varietals: 82% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 3% Syrah

Vinification:
The must is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with approximately 15 days maceration.  During fermentation, delestage and pumping-over takes place twice a day. Delestage is a method of extraction during fermentation which gives wines of good colour and soft tannins. The maceration tank is emptied of fermenting must, the cap allowed to dry out for two two- three hours and then the must is poured back over the cap. Paolo first experimented with this method in 1996 and subsequently began using it for all red wines from the 1997 vintage. After the malolactic fermentation, the wine is racked into 4000 and 2700 litre casks and barrels where it matures for about a year. It is then bottled and released after 3-4 months.

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.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Super-spicy Chianti fully focused on licorice root, restrained black cherries, fresh violets and meaty notes. It seems to be a serious effort, with graphite flavors allied to firm, chalky and chewy tannins, crisp acidity and a super-polished finish. Drinkable now, but can hold." (Jul 2024)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"While Isole e Olena’s vineyards did suffer some minor frost damage in 2021, former owner Paolo de Marchi said it wasn’t dramatic, and fans will be happy to know that there is still ample quantity of this flag-bearing Chianti Classico. Bit by bit, it reveals characteristic nuances of brushwood, currants, rosehip, strawberry and pepper. Succulent and light on feet, the palate is judiciously concentrated with pure and persistent red berries. Taut, integrated tannins provide definition, and it trails off with garden-fresh herbs. This should give plenty of pleasure over the next eight to 10 years." - Michaela Morris (Feb 2024)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The Isole e Olena 2021 Chianti Classico is a softly textured and charming wine that is impeccably buttoned up and balanced. It offers terrific value at this price point. This wine is packed with bright fruit, wild cherry and blue flower. It ends with a blast of refreshing acidity that is consistent with Sangiovese." - Monica Larner (Jul 2024)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Chianti Classico is deceptive in its light color and medium-bodied structure. It possesses notable textural depth and supporting structure. This is such a pretty and expressive wine. Dried herbs, mint, spice and crushed red berry fruit are nicely drawn. Bright acids and floral overtones pull it all together. (Drink between 2024-2034)." - Antonio Galloni (Jul 2024)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Complex, balanced and supple in texture, this red boasts cherry, strawberry, rose hip, iron and almond aromas and flavors. Refined, with vibrant acidity driving the mouthwatering finish. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2032." - Bruce Sanderson (Oct 2024)