2022 Chianti Classico

There’s quite a bit of change underway at Isole e Olena. Work on a new cellar has been underway for a few years. Estate Director Emanuele Reolon arrived in 2023, tasked with leading Isole e Olena into its next generation following the De Marchi family’s decision to sell the winery in 2022. It will be a few years before the result of investments in the vineyards and cellar can be seen. For now, some small things are evident. The Chianti Classico no longer includes drops of Syrah and other international varieties Paolo De Marchi favored, while the Gran Selezione is likely to be re-interpreted in the form of a single-vineyard wine rather than a very top selection bottled in only the best years, as originally conceived by De Marchi. Restyling of the labels and the removing of ‘Collezione Privata’ (a term that IGT regulations don’t allow) are more cosmetic than substantial. Isole e Olena is one of Chianti Classico’s crown jewels and Paolo De Marchi was one of its greatest ambassadors. I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings.