Complete with producer profiles and tags
Isole e Olena
Località Isole, 1, 50028 Barberino Tavarnelle FI, Italia
Categories
Iconic Producers
Location
Central Appellations - Chianti Classico
For being an ‘outsider’, Piemontese-born Paolo De Marchi is one of Chianti Classico’s most beloved personalities.
He was just 5 years old when his parents purchased the neighbouring hamlets of Isole and Olena in the western side of the zone merging them into a single estate. It took years and significant investment to achieve the renown it enjoys today. Much of this is a credit to De Marchi who started in 1976 after completing his studies viticulture and winemaking.
He is considered a Sangiovese advocate due to his iconic barrique-aged IGT bottling Cepparello. However, the estate’s pillar wine – the annata Chianti Classico - always hovered around the denomination’s 80% minimum. De Marchi sought complexity by including Canaiolo Nero and Syrah, and believes that blending will be a useful tool to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Among his many contributions to the region, De Marche’s massal selections gave birth to specific Sangiovese clones now widely used. The estate became a magnet and incubator of talent, giving credibility to those who worked there.
It also caught the attention of Christopher Descours’ EPI group (which owns Biondi-Santi). After the French investment firm purchased Isole e Olena in June 2022, De Marchi stayed on until 2023 when he returned to his Sperino estate in Piedmont. Emanuele Reolon has assumed the role of Technical Director.
Besides a noticeable redesign of label, the new ownership has continued the work De Marchi started on a new cellar and extensive replanting is underway. They have phased out Syrah from the Chianti Classico and are also increasing the percentage of larger casks for ageing of Cepparello.
It is too early to evaluate the impact on the wines. Despite De Marchi’s departure, his spirit is, for now, still inextricably woven into Isole e Olena’s fabric.
He was just 5 years old when his parents purchased the neighbouring hamlets of Isole and Olena in the western side of the zone merging them into a single estate. It took years and significant investment to achieve the renown it enjoys today. Much of this is a credit to De Marchi who started in 1976 after completing his studies viticulture and winemaking.
He is considered a Sangiovese advocate due to his iconic barrique-aged IGT bottling Cepparello. However, the estate’s pillar wine – the annata Chianti Classico - always hovered around the denomination’s 80% minimum. De Marchi sought complexity by including Canaiolo Nero and Syrah, and believes that blending will be a useful tool to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Among his many contributions to the region, De Marche’s massal selections gave birth to specific Sangiovese clones now widely used. The estate became a magnet and incubator of talent, giving credibility to those who worked there.
It also caught the attention of Christopher Descours’ EPI group (which owns Biondi-Santi). After the French investment firm purchased Isole e Olena in June 2022, De Marchi stayed on until 2023 when he returned to his Sperino estate in Piedmont. Emanuele Reolon has assumed the role of Technical Director.
Besides a noticeable redesign of label, the new ownership has continued the work De Marchi started on a new cellar and extensive replanting is underway. They have phased out Syrah from the Chianti Classico and are also increasing the percentage of larger casks for ageing of Cepparello.
It is too early to evaluate the impact on the wines. Despite De Marchi’s departure, his spirit is, for now, still inextricably woven into Isole e Olena’s fabric.
Flagship Wines
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico
Isole e Olena Cepparello Red
Isole e Olena Chardonnay Toscana Collezione Privata