What sparks more joy in winter than making a Sunday ragù and drinking Sangiovese? Truly, the winter blues can be staved off for some time with a rich tomato sauce, handmade pasta, and a bottle (or two) of Chianti. Sangiovese, so often underestimated and relegated to the image of the humble fiasco straw bottle, is in fact one of the noblest grape varieties, capable of profound expression and extraordinary longevity.

The 2015 Isole e Olena Gran Selezione embodies this nobility. From one of Chianti Classico’s most historic estates, this wine is the pinnacle of Sangiovese expression, crafted from the estate’s finest barrels of Cepparello and enhanced with a touch of Petit Verdot for depth and structure. The 2015 vintage, despite its challenges, shines with remarkable richness, power, and complexity. Antonio Galloni (96+) calls it “beautifully textured, with intense underpinnings of saline minerality,” while James Suckling (93) highlights its velvety tannins and juicy finish.

Rich in notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and smoky cedar, this wine is built for the table. Its acidity and structure make it a natural partner for hearty winter dishes, while its precision and tension promise decades of evolution. Isole e Olena has long been a trailblazer for Chianti Classico, and the Gran Selezione continues this legacy with a wine that elevates Sangiovese to new heights.

So as winter takes hold, let this bottle remind you of Sangiovese’s true potential. Pair it with a simmering ragù, embrace the season, and rediscover the nobility of Chianti Classico, one soulful glass at a time.