Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana Rosso 2020
The name ‘Isole e Olena’ came about in the 1950s when the De Marchi family purchased and combined two adjoining estates, ‘Isole’ and ‘Olena’, each of which dated back hundreds of years. The estate is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region at the midway point between Siena and Florence.
Fourth-generation winemaker Paolo De Marchi studied Agriculture at the University of Turin and worked several harvests in California and France. When he first arrived at the family estate in 1976 from his home in Piemonte, he found much need for improvement and modernization in the Chianti Classico region. One of the initial projects involved planting single vineyards of international varieties. Through these advances, Paolo ultimately discovered a way to balance tradition with innovation.
Proprietor Paolo De Marchi has left an indelible and highly personal stamp on Isole e Olena, and all of Chianti Classico for that matter... De Marchi stands apart from many of his colleagues for his vocal opinions and intense dedication to the vineyard above all else. Since taking over his family’s estate... De Marchi has transformed Isole e Olena into a powerhouse. - Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate, June 2012)
Intense bright ruby in color. Complex aromas ranging from floral to wild berries with hints of spice. The palate is characterized by red cherries, earthy with a depth of complex savory acidity and soft tannins.
2020 commenced with a mild, dry winter. Temperatures dropped significantly in March and care was needed in the vineyard to prevent frost damage to the vines. Summer was dry and mild with steady weather conditions until the end of August, when the region saw some bouts of rainfall. However, the weather calmed during September and the 2020 harvest gave excellent results both in terms of quality and quantity.
The flagship wine consists of 100% Sangiovese aged in French oak barrels.
Over the years, Paolo has refined his Cepparello by giving it more air during vinification and increasing time spent in oak from 12-14 months to 18-20 months. Although De Marchi started focusing on the use of better quality oak around 1993, it is the increased age of the vineyards themselves that have given Cepparello its overall finesse. The wine is made from a top selection of the estate's best fruits from the vineyards in Barberino Val d'Elsa in the northern part of Chianti Classico.
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Sangeovese |
| Appellation | Tuscany |
| Designation | IGT |
| Acid | 5.84 g/L |
| PH | 3.5 |
| Aging | Approximately 20 months in barrique (25% new) |
| Residual Sugar | 1 g/L |
| Alcohol | 15.00% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | ITALY |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
