I have reviewed two wines from Isole e Olena, all from the 2021 vintage, across Toscana and Chianti Classico. All are Sangiovese. Scores range from 94 to 98, averaging 96; the highest is the 2021 Isole e Olena “Cepparello” Toscana (98 points).
Though recently sold to the EPI group, Isole e Olena remains the legacy of Paolo De Marchi, one of the most important figures in Italian wine. In the western part of Chianti Classico, the estate was instrumental in removing white grapes from the Chianti blend and championing 100% Sangiovese. Its wines are celebrated for elegance, high-toned aromatics and polished tannins.
The flagship, “Cepparello”, first made in 1980, was De Marchi’s statement that Sangiovese deserved to stand on its own, outside the appellation rules of the time. It became a legend at once and remains a benchmark for the grape. The 2021 combines power and finesse: dark cherry, violets, leather and sweet spice, graphite and balsamic herbs, aged in French oak, about a third of it new.
The estate is also unusual in Chianti for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and its Chianti Classico includes a touch of Syrah, which adds colour and spice to red cherry, cedar and crushed earth.
Cepparello is a monumental Sangiovese wine that has become an iconic Italian label since its first vintage in 1980, representing the grape’s potential. The 2021 vintage is particularly remarkable for its blend of power and finesse, with flavors of dark cherry and leather balanced by minerality, showcasing a masterclass in Sangiovese winemaking.
Isole e Olena is a benchmark producer known for consistently quality wines, particularly showcasing a unique blend of Sangiovese and Syrah in their Chianti. This bold wine features red cherries, cedar, spice, and crushed earth notes, making it a global staple and highlighting the exceptional quality of their Syrah.
