Isole e Olena Cepparello is a pleasant pure Sangiovese. Ruby in color with purple hues, it offers the nose a beautiful range of aromas, from blackberry to violet, beautiful shades of oak and a slight balsamic hint. In the mouth it gives a great structure with soft and enveloping tannins.
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The Cepparello, the flagship wine of Isole E Olena, is considered by wine lovers as one of the best and most famous wines crafted under the Super Tuscan designation. The vineyards are located towards the west of the Chianti Classico wine region in the Castellina Village.
Isole e Olena was born in the 1950s when two adjoining estates, ‘Isole’ and ‘Olena’ were purchased together. In 2022 the estate came under the ownership of Christopher Descours, the owner of Charles Heidsieck and Biondi Santi. Located in the western part of Chianti Classico, just north of the village of Castellina, the 45 hectares of vineyard are planted between 350 – 450 metres above sea level, primarily on galestro soils. This is a much cooler part of Chianti resulting in lighter and more scented and elegant wines.
Cepparello was first released in 1980 as a selection of the estate best Sangiovese grapes. Sourced from the highest and westernmost vineyards of Chianti Classico, the vines benefits from a cooler climate that gives a unique elegance to the wines. 100% barrel-aged in a mix of French and American oak (30% new) for 18 months. Aromas of red berry and cherry with a touch of spice. Earthy with a depth of complex savoury acidity and soft tannins. The Chianti Classico wine region located in Tuscany, Italy, is known for producing premium quality wines. The Isole E Olena brand is no exception to this rule. It is a well-respected and reputed name in this region, which makes wines from grapes grown in independent vineyards around this region. The De Marchi family established this wine label in the 1950s by combining the estates of Isole and Olena. Ever since there has been no looking back for the brand.
The vineyards are spread across 45 hectares and the vines are cultivated at an average height of about 450m above sea level. The high quality of the Galestro soil and the cool sea breeze are the main factors that make the grapes grown here full of flavour, character and aroma.
While the most popular Cepparello wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, another famous label, Chianti, is made from an exquisite blend of Sangiovese (80%) and other indigenous varietals of Canaiolo, Colorino and Syrah. Like every region, Tuscany, too, has its traditional style of welcome wine, which is created by the Isole e Olena label by the name of Vinsanto. This wine is made from the exclusive white wine varietals of Malvasia and Trebbiano.
Pairing Suggestions: Ideal in combination with second courses based on game, beef stew, roasted wild boar and seasoned pecorino.
Maturation: The wine is then aged in barrique barrels for 18 months before being bottled.