Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Isole e Olena

Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc grapes were fermented in open top oak vats, undergoing three to four weeks of maceration. The Syrah underwent a short pre-fermentation cold soak in stainless steel with two weeks of maceration before it was pressed into barrels. The Isole e Olena Gran Selezione aged for two years in French barriques and two years in oak casks prior to bottling. It was released by the estate in 2015. Most Gran Selezione that have been released are from the 2010 vintage; the Isole e Olena Gran Selezione is the only 2006 vintage available. Paolo De Marchi says, "If a producer is going to make a Gran Selezione, it should at least be a new, different wine. It shouldn't just be a former Chianti Classico Riserva that's had an extra six months ageing, or a wine that used to be labelled as an IGT." This explains his blend of grapes. The wine that Paolo wanted to produce had to show "elegance and drinkability of Chianti Classico with the structure of a Super Tuscan".