ISOLE E OLENA Chianti Classico 2007 The name Isole e Olena came about in the 1950s when two adjoining estates, Isole and Olena were purchased by the De Marchi family and combined to form one. The history of both estates dates back many hundreds of years, and the earliest documentation of the village of Olena goes as far back as the 12th Century. During the 1950s, the De Marchi family planted new specialised vineyards and expanded the cellars. Today, the Isole e Olena estate is run by Paolo De Marchi, his wife Marta and his sons. Paolo comes from a family with three generations of winemaking experience in the northern part of Piemonte. The grapes are grown on the Isole e Olena estate which covers 290 hectares, of which 49 are planted with vines and 42 are in production. 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 1999. Following a cold winter and a wet spring, flowering was slightly problematic, but a warm summer spurred good vegetative growth. A hailstorm on 8 August caused damage and reduced yields but didn‘t compromise quality. Hot and dry conditions in September meant the grape selection process had to be more thorough than usual. Harvest began earlier than usual with the red grapes being picked from 22 September -15 October. Paolo De Marchi has described the vintage as "excellent but difficult". Fermentation took place in tank with 15 days maceration and delestage and pumping-over twice a day. Delestage (or ‘rack and return‘) produces wines with good colour and soft tannins. De Marchi used this method for all red wines from 1997. Maturation lasted one year and took place in barrel (with 15% new oak) and 4000 litre oak casks. A bright and youthful ruby red. Intensely perfumed, with the blackberry and spiced red and black fruit of top quality Sangiovese, together with the delicate touch characteristic of Isole e Olena. Tightly structured on the palate, with rounded tannins and a long finish. ‘I would defy anyone not to be swept off their feet by its intensity and balance . unless they were determined that all Chianti has to be pale and tart‘. 20 Jul 2010 by Jancis Robinson SILVER - International Wine Challenge 2010 Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 80% Sangiovese 10% Canaiolo 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah Region Barberino Val D.Elsa Winemaker Paolo De Marchi Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14% Bottle Sizes 37.5cl, 75cl, 150cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £241.00 (Including VAT at 20%)