Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 represents the pinnacle of this historic estate’s Sangiovese-based wines, crafted only in exceptional vintages. This bottling marries classic Tuscan character with a touch of international flair from Cabernet Franc and Syrah, delivering depth, finesse, and impressive longevity. As a Gran Selezione, it comes from the estate’s finest parcels and is aged longer than standard Chianti Classico, reflecting both tradition and meticulous modern winemaking.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2015 Gran Selezione shows a deep, vibrant ruby-red core with subtle garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at its evolution. The nose is layered and expressive: ripe red cherries and wild strawberries intermingle with blackcurrant, violet, dried herbs, and a gentle spice profile of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a touch of dark chocolate and pepper. On the palate, this is a structured yet finely textured wine, with Sangiovese providing bright, mouthwatering acidity and taut red fruit, while Cabernet Franc and Syrah contribute darker berries, graphite, and a subtle savory edge. Tannins are firm but polished, wrapping around flavors of sour cherry, plum, blood orange, and notes of leather, licorice, and sweet spice from well-integrated oak. The finish is long, mineral, and persistent, suggesting a wine at the beginning of a long drinking window. The 2015 vintage, from a warm and balanced year in Tuscany, offers both immediate pleasure and strong aging potential: expect it to develop further complexity over the next 10–15 years, gaining more tertiary notes of forest floor, truffle, and dried flowers.

Production
The fruit for Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 is sourced from estate vineyards in the hills of Barberino Val d’Elsa, in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. Vineyards sit at medium-high elevations, benefiting from significant diurnal temperature swings that preserve acidity and aromatic definition. Soils are predominantly a mix of galestro (friable marl) and alberese (limestone-rich rock), which naturally limit yields and contribute to the wine’s tension, minerality, and finesse. Grapes are hand-harvested parcel by parcel at optimal ripeness, with careful selection in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only the best clusters make it into the final blend. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, with a combination of pump-overs and délestage to extract color, aromatics, and fine tannins without harshness. The wine then matures for an extended period—often around two years—in a combination of French oak barrels and larger casks, a portion of which may be new, followed by additional bottle aging before release to meet Gran Selezione regulations and to harmonize the components.

Food & Serving
This Gran Selezione is an outstanding partner for classic Tuscan dishes and refined, savory cuisine. Think bistecca alla fiorentina, roasted lamb with rosemary, braised beef, wild boar ragù over pappardelle, or aged Pecorino Toscano. It also pairs beautifully with game birds, truffled dishes, and mushroom-based recipes that echo its earthy undertones. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight freshness, aromatics, and texture. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the wine to open fully and integrate its oak and tannins, revealing the full spectrum of fruit, spice, and floral notes.

Producer
Isole e Olena is one of Chianti Classico’s benchmark estates, widely credited with helping to redefine the region’s image from rustic simplicity to world-class refinement. The estate lies between the villages of Barberino Val d’Elsa and Castellina in Chianti, and takes its name from two ancient hamlets—‘Isole’ and ‘Olena’—whose vineyards were unified in the mid-20th century. Since the 1970s, under the visionary guidance of Paolo De Marchi, Isole e Olena has focused on low yields, meticulous vineyard work, and thoughtful use of oak, producing wines that marry Tuscan authenticity with precision and elegance. Beyond this Gran Selezione, the winery is renowned for iconic bottlings like Cepparello, and has become a reference point for Sangiovese worldwide, with consistent critical acclaim and a reputation for wines that age gracefully over decades.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.