Isole e Olena - Syrah Collezione Privata Toscana 2020

Founded in 1956 by Francesco De Marchi, this historic Chianti Classico estate is located in the western part of the denomination, near Castellina in Chianti, in the commune of Barberina Val d’Elsa. Isole e Olena’s 56 hectares (138 acres) of vineyards sit at 350-450 meters (1,148 – 1,476 feet) above sea level on soils of galestro and marly schist.

1980 saw the first bottling of Cepparello, a Sangiovese from old vines, aged in barrique, which in time has become an emblem of Isole e Olena. First classified as “vino da tavola” (table wine) it went on to become one of the first Supertuscan wines, showing the character and longevity of Sangiovese from this high-altitude corner of Chianti Classico. Cepparello is the result of Paolo’s extensive study of the Sangiovese grape and his belief in the potential of its expression.

Today Isole e Olena is recognized for the leading role it played in the emergence of the Chianti Classico region and respected for its authentic style of Chianti Classico – fragrant and well-balanced with purity of fruit – which is representative of its high-altitude territory. In addition to Chianti Classico and Cepparello, Isole e Olena also produces a series of single varietal wines: Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as an acclaimed Vin Santo.

This single vineyard Syrah was inspired by winemaker Paolo de Marchi's experimentation with international varieties, expressed through the Chianti Classico terroir. Intense and concentrated, with classic pepper and spice aromas, big and rich on the palate with excellent length.

Fermented in stainless steel tanks, 10% in contact with stems. It ages in barriques for one year, in a ratio of one third new oak, one third second use, one third third use, plus two years more in bottle.

"The 2020 Syrah Collezione Privata is another breathtaking wine in this range from Isole e Olena. Savory and floral, the 2020 bristles with tension from start to finish. Inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha and dried herbs infuse the 2020 with tons of complexity and character. All the elements are impeccably balanced." - 97 Points, Antonio Galloni Vinous

"Boasting a supple and velvety texture that softly caresses the palate, the 2020 Syrah Collezione Privata shows how well this Rhône grape has adapted to the sunny and dry Tuscan climate. I love that the wine shows aromas of crushed limestone that are fundamental to the Chianti Classico playlist along with black fruit, black chocolate and cured tobacco. This is a generous, full-bodied red wine that ends on a deliciously soft note." - 94+ Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Producer: Isole e Olena

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Syrah

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml