Producer · Tuscany, Italy

Isole e Olena

Isole e Olena has been one of the leading names in Chianti Classico for around thirty years, and it all comes down to beautifully kept vineyards.

The name dates from the 1950s, when the De Marchi family bought two neighbouring estates, Isole and Olena, and joined them together. Both go back centuries. In 2022 the estate was bought by Christopher Descours, who with estate director Emanuele Reolon plans to build on the great work of Paolo De Marchi.

The 45 hectares lie in the west of the zone, just north of Castellina, at 350 to 450 metres on stony galestro soils. Sea breezes keep this side of Chianti cooler, so the wines are lighter, more scented and more elegant than many. Sangiovese leads, and there is Chardonnay and Vin Santo too.

Sangiovese and Canaiolo · £31.99 a bottle