Isole e Olena, Vin Santo
Vintage: 2012
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | IO105H12 | 6 x 37.5 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
Isole e Olena is located in the western part of Chianti Classico, just north of the village of Castellina. Because the western flank of Chianti is open to breezes from the sea, this is a significantly cooler sub-zone, resulting in lighter, more scented and elegant wines.
The estate was founded in the 1950s when Francesco De Marchi combined the neighbouring properties of ‘Isole’ and ‘Olena’, both of which have histories stretching back centuries. In 2022, Isole e Olena was purchased by Christopher Descours, the owner of Charles Heidsieck, Piper-Heidsieck, Rare Champagne, Château la Verrerie and Biondi-Santi. Christopher and the new estate director, Emanuele Reolon, have a clear vision to build on the De Marchi family’s legacy, on an unrelenting quest for quality and excellence.
The estate covers over 300 hectares, with 250 hectares of forest, 16 hectares of olive groves and 56 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are at 350 – 450 metres elevation and are planted primarily with Sangiovese (46 hectares), with 6 hectares of Chardonnay and the remaining 4 hectares planted to Trebbiano, Malvasia, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Soils are primarily galestro (a kind of rocky, schistous clay).
The barrel-fermented Chardonnay is outstanding, one of Italy’s best examples of this variety, boasting aromas of rich toasted almonds and butter. The Chianti, a blend of 90% Sangiovese supplemented by Canaiolo, is scented and alluring. The ‘Cepparello’, made solely from Sangiovese, is fragrant with great elegance and balance. The ‘Gran Selezione’, made from low-yielding vines over 50 years old, is aged for two years in French oak barriques, followed by a further three years ageing in bottle before release. It has a core of black cherry fruit complemented by a subtle spiciness and velvety tannins. The Vin Santo, a blend of Malvasia and Trebbiano aged for eleven years in small barrels called ‘caratelli’, is a fine example of traditional Vin Santo with intense aromas of apricot jam, dried figs and candied orange zest.
Vineyards
The grapes are grown on the Isole e Olena estate which covers 320 hectares, of which 49 are planted with vines and 55 with olives. The vineyards are approximately 400 metres above sea level and face south-west. The oldest vines on the estate were planted in 1958 and the youngest in 2007. When Paolo De Marchi arrived at Isole e Olena in 1976, he stopped using white grapes, Trebbiano and Malvasia, in the blend for Chianti. He then asked the old farmers how to make the best Vin Santo possible, using traditional methods, and used the white grapes for this wine.
Vintage
The start of 2012 followed traditional weather patterns, with a cold and snowy winter and a mild, wet spring. Conditions dried in May and would continue in this way throughout one of the hottest summers experienced in Chianti Classico. Fortunately, the rain returned in September, along with an increased diurnal shift of warm days and cooler nights, which allowed for an excellent maturation process, and a final wine of great balance.
Vinification
The Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes are dried on straw mats for approximately three months, then gently crushed. The resulting must is slowly fermented, and the wine is aged in sealed Carateli (barrels) of various sizes and woods for 11 years. It remains in contact with the mother yeast throughout, ensuring that the particular character of the sweet wine develops into the complexity it is celebrated for.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
A traditional expression of the estate's Vin Santo. Amber in the glass, with aromas of apricot jam, dried figs, candied orange zest, honey, and nuts. A dense, sweet palate with a full body and savoury finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
14.5%
Acidity
7.58 g/l
Residual Sugar
154 g/l
pH
3.46
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isole e Olena | Chardonnay | IO101 | W | Factsheet | |
| Chianti Classico | IO102 | R | Factsheet | ||
| `Cepparello` | IO103 | R | Factsheet | ||
| `Collezione Privata` Syrah | IO104 | R | Factsheet | ||
| `Collezione Privata` Cabernet Sauvignon | IO106 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Chianti Classico Gran Selezione | IO110 | R | Factsheet |