ProducerChianti Classico
Isole e Olena
イゾーレ・エ・オレーナ
A benchmark of elegance and purity in Chianti Classico.
A benchmark Chianti Classico producer run by Paolo De Marchi, making the acclaimed Cepparello (100% Sangiovese) alongside traditional Chianti Classico.
www.isoleeolena.it/en/ ↗Cuvées
Who Is This For?
Ideal for collectors and enthusiasts who value terroir-driven Sangiovese balancing elegance, structure, and food-friendly acidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Isole e Olena's wines unique?
- They reflect Paolo De Marchi's philosophy of observing and understanding nature rather than forcing it, producing wines of exceptional elegance, vibrant acidity, and refined structure.
- What is Cepparello, and why isn't it labeled Chianti Classico?
- Cepparello, first produced in 1980, is a 100% Sangiovese wine aged around 18 months in French oak barrels. It is bottled as IGT Toscana rather than Chianti Classico because the appellation's traditional rules required blending in other grape varieties.
- Who owns and runs Isole e Olena today?
- Founded in 1956 by uniting the Isole and Olena estates, the winery was transformed from 1976 onward by Paolo De Marchi. Since 2022 it has been owned by Christofer Descours' Groupe EPI, with Emanuele Reolon as estate director carrying forward De Marchi's legacy.
- Does Isole e Olena pair well with Japanese cuisine?
- Yes, its balanced acidity and moderate tannins pair excellently with soy-based dishes, grilled chicken (yakitori), and umami-rich ingredients like shiitake mushrooms.
- Where are the vineyards located?
- In Barberino Tavarnelle, in the north-western part of Chianti Classico near Florence, spanning roughly 50 hectares that include the historic Isole and Olena plots.