Cepparrello - Isole e Olena IGT 2018

75 cl

Robert Parker: 96 points

Alcohol content: 15 % vol.

Grape varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Vinification

Fermentation takes place in open fermentation vats and the wine is matured for 18 months in partly new and partly used barriques.

Tasting note:

The Isole e Olena 2018 Cepparello, one of the icons of Tuscany, is a pure Sangiovese made by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi (who was finalising the sale of his beloved estate when this wine was launched). Indeed, this wine opens a discussion about the future of this famous IGT Toscana, a wine that followed a rigorous vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with fine flavours of black and purple fruits. It is fermented in oak barrels and matured for 20 months in French barriques, a third of which in new oak.

The legendary winery Isole e Olena is characterised by its high-altitude single vineyard in the Chianti Classico region, owned by the French EPI Group as well as an elegant, delicate style that perfectly showcases the Sangiovese grape.

Region: The vineyard is situated in the heart of the Tuscany in the western part of the Chianti Classico region.

Geography: It is situated above the picturesque Val d’Elsa in the municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle (province of Florence).

Origins: The name derives from the merger of two historic hamlets situated side by side (Isles and Olena), which were merged in 1956.

Current owner: Since 2022, the estate has belonged to the French EPI Group by Christopher Descours. This luxury group also includes, amongst others, leading establishments such as Biondi-Santi (Montalcino) and the champagne house Charles Heidsieck.

History: The estate was founded and developed by the family from 1956 onwards De Marchi. The visionary, in particular, Paolo De Marchi From 1976 onwards, he helped shape the estate’s global reputation and is regarded as one of the region’s most important pioneers („Mr Sangiovese“).

Technical Management: The cellar master has been in charge since 2023 Emanuele Reolon the winemaking process and carries on the estate’s philosophy.

A focus on elegance: Unlike many heavy „Super Tuscans“, what you’re looking for with Isole e Olena No excessive strength or intense concentration. The wines captivate with Refinement, freshness, precise acidity and a profound sense of balance. 

Traditional varieties: For Chianti Classico, alongside Sangiovese, the traditional variety is deliberately used Canaiolo is used, which gives the wine a particular delicacy and floral aromas.

Removal: The wine is aged in French oak barrels, with the process precisely controlled.

The flagship: The winery’s most famous wine is the Cepparello (a single-varietal Sangiovese IGT). It is regarded as one of Tuscany’s earliest and finest cult wines, perfectly reflecting the grape variety’s enormous ageing potential and lively structure.