Isole e Olena Collezione Privata, Syrah, Toscana IGT

Isole e Olena's Collezione Privata Syrah reflects Paolo De Marchi's quiet pursuit of Tuscan balance. First bottled in the late 1980s, it draws from the estate's hillside vineyards between Castellina and Barberino Val d'Elsa, where schistous soils and cool nights help the variety retain freshness and precision. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel before maturation in French oak barriques, part new, for around a year, giving shape rather than overt flavour.

Each vintage offers a measured expression of Syrah's character in this landscape: dark berries, olive, violet and spice on the nose, a supple palate of black fruit and savoury depth carried by fine tannins and lively acidity. The finish is persistent and mineral, showing how deftly De Marchi has integrated an international grape into the Tuscan vernacular. A wine of intent and consistency, it stands comfortably beside the region's top IGT reds while retaining its own identity.