Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2008 1×37.5cl

Isole and Olena are two tiny villages located on opposite ends of Paolo’s estate. Rich forest gives way to beautiful hillside vineyards, which are planted in tightly-spaced rows of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay. Paolo de Marchi tends his vines naturally, to produce grapes that lend themselves to fine, aromatically complex wines. His goal is to make wine that best reflects the nature of his vineyards as well as the year, making powerful wines when the vintage allows it, and making elegant, pretty wines when appropriate.

The 2008 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico shows a polished copper colour with resin, brown sugar, caramel and dried fruit. This wine has a touch of wild mushroom or underbrush as well. The finish is powerful, very sweet and delightful. This wine shows a very careful sense of balance and harmony. It’s almost underplayed as far as Vin Santos go, but it is exceedingly elegant nonetheless. The blend is 55% Malvasia and 45% Trebbiano, and the oak aging is extended over ten years. Only 8,000 bottles were made.