![Isole e Olena Sangiovese Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2010 - 375 mL - (Tuscany, Italy) - [WA 97] [TWI 97] [JS 96] [WS 95]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/files/isole-e-olena-vin-santo-half-bottle-2008-900x1500_{width}x.jpg?v=1699556451)
Isole e Olena Sangiovese Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2010 - 375 mL -
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WA 97] [TWI 97] [JS 96] [WS 95]
Regular price $120.00 Sale price $94.97 Save $25.03
The name ‘Isole e Olena’ came about in the 1950s when the De Marchi family purchased and combined two adjoining estates, ‘Isole’ and ‘Olena’, each of which dated back hundreds of years. The estate is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region at the midway point between Siena and Florence. Wines are made by fourth-generation winemaker Paolo De Marchi, who studied Agriculture at the University of Turin and worked several harvests in California and France.
Winemaker Notes:
65% Malvasia del Chianti, 35% Trebbiano
Estate-grown, hand-harvested grapes are dried for 3-5 months before pressing, after which the must is racked into 'caratelli' (small barrels of varying composition) where it ferments and ages for five years before bottling. The wine remains on the 'madre' or starter culture for the entire aging/fermenting period, during which time it is neither racked nor filtered. The resulting wine comprises only 12-15% of the initial yield.
Ratings & Reviews
97 Points - Wine Advocate:"This wine is a labor of love made only by the most tenacious and passionate producers in Tuscany. The Isole e Olena 2010 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (in a 375-milliliter bottle) is beautifully balanced and offers a rush of candied fruit aromas and honey with hints of the smoky elegance that comes with time. On top of apricot, brown sugar and maple syrup, this Vin Santo offers unique complexity with aniseed, beeswax and toasted cardamom pod. The mouthfeel is equally finessed with a soft texture and, surprise, a wonderful dose of freshness. That acidity is the wine's ace card. This is one of the best Vin Santos I have tasted." - Monica Larner (May 2023)
97 Points - The Wine Independent:
This 2010 Isole e Olena Vin Santo is a delightful example of Vin Santo or Holy Wine. This is the famous Tuscan sweet, amber-colored wine that is made from dried grapes. Traditionally every producer made one and Paolo de Marchi makes one of the best. The 2010 has a bright amber, orange-gold color, on the nose it is headily complex and fragrant with orange zest, honey, nut and toffee notes. There is a lovely purity, clarity and intensity of both flavors and aromas. On the palate there is a beautiful balance between sweetness, tangy freshness and savory, bitter-orange flavors. It finishes with toffee and cream and lingering sweet-savory flavors. Just beautiful! Drink 2022-2050
96 Points - James Suckling:
"This is beautiful with dried peaches, dried persimmons, baklava, dried blood orange and toasted almonds with yeasty notes. Full and opulent and delicious. The sweetness is in perfect harmony with the vivid acidity. Full of energy and fruit. Some chocolate at the end with saffron and exotic spices. Drink or hold." (Apr 2023)
95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This dessert-style white delivers honey, caramel, clove, horehound and butterscotch aromas and flavors. Lush and toasty, with vivid acidity and an aftertaste of roasted walnut. Features fine complexity and length. Trebbiano and Malvasia. Drink now through 2038. 60 cases imported." - BS (Oct 2023)