2017 Cepparello, Isole e Olena, Tuscany, Italy
Critics reviews
Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate (September 2020)
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com (September 2020)
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (August 2020)
About this WINE
Isole e Olena
The Isole et Olena Estate, run by Paolo de Marchi for 45 years, is a Tuscan property that has seen a dramatic rise in quality over the last few decades. Paolo's family, originally from Piedmont, purchased the estate in the 1960s. His attention to detail in both the vineyard and the winery was the driving force that turned quality around. The estate was purchased by the EPI group recently, who have expertise in Tuscany, also owning the famed Montalcino estate Biondi-Santi.
The wines have Cepparello at their head, a barrique-aged Sangiovese classified as an IGT - because at the time of its creation in the 1980s a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not legally be labelled as Chianti. There is a Chianti Classico and a Vin Santo, as well as some excellent wines from the Collezione de Marchi label, including a Syrah called Eremo, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay.
Sangiovese
A black grape widely grown in Central Italy and the main component of Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as well as being the sole permitted grape for the famed Brunello di Montalcino.
It is a high yielding, late ripening grape that performs best on well-drained calcareous soils on south-facing hillsides. For years it was blighted by poor clonal selection and massive overcropping - however since the 1980s the quality of Sangiovese-based wines has rocketed upwards and they are now some of the most sought after in the world.
It produces wines with pronounced tannins and acidity, though not always with great depth of colour, and its character can vary from farmyard/leather nuances through to essence of red cherries and plums. In the 1960s the advent of Super Tuscans saw bottlings of 100% Sangiovese wines, as well as the introduction of Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon blends, the most famous being Tignanello.
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Description
A delightful nose of ripe, dark cherries and spice invades the senses. The palate is full and rich, yet fresh, with notes of red and black cherries, redcurrants and hints of darker fruits, spice and dark chocolate, all balanced with perfectly judged acidity and fine-grained tannins. Long and elegant on the finish, this another excellent Cepparello from the De Marchis. Still very youthful, this will develop more complexity as it ages, adding the typical grilled meat notes to its portfolio of complex flavours and aromas. Drink 2022-2040+.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager
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