Description
In the 1950s, the father of current winemaker Paolo de Marchi purchased the adjoining hamlets of Isole and Olena and their estates in the Tuscan commune of Barberino Val d’Elsa. Paolo entered the business in 1976 and the quality of the estates wines improved rapidly after decades of sharecropping. Di Marchi is one of the regions kings of the Sangiovese grape, at a time when Chianti was a blended wine it was he that stepped out to produce wines that were 100% Sangiovese. The wine, the true embodiment of the word Super Tuscan is the Cepparello IGT which has gone on to become an iconic wine and a benchmark for the Chianti region. The estate also produces stunning Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chianti Classico.
About this wine from the winery: “A symbol of the estate, it’s the wine that has the deepest roots in the history of Isole e Olena. Produced for the first time in 1969, it has immediately become one of the protagonists of the modern renaissance of fine Chianti Classico. Over the years, it has preserved its character and authenticity, portraying the style of the estate: elegant and complex, yet very easy to drink, just like a Chianti Classico should be. Today it is produced with a high percentage of sangiovese, plus canaiolo and, sometimes, a touch of other red grapes varieties.
“The estate-owned vineyards are located in the San Donato in Poggio area, at an altitude of 300 – 480 m on soils with a mixture of limestone, clay slates, marls and sandstone, typical of Chianti Classico. The exposition of the vines is generally south/southwestern and the vine age ranges from 10 to 50 years.
“The 2021 harvest started with difficulty, with very low temperatures early in the spring that caused a slow and irregular development of the shoots, and later constant rains that had a negative impact on the flowering and fruit setting. These two factors are responsible for the lower production that in the end was rather significant, though the quality was excellent. The summer was then hot and dry, but the good water reserves accumulated with the spring rain helped avoid further stress on the plants. After some light rain in August, September accompanied the harvest with hot days and very cool nights, allowing an optimal ripening characterised by a lively acidity and elegant and complex aromas.”
Fantastic wine from 2021 exceptional season for Sangiovese in Tuscany.
94 points, Decanter “Owner Paolo di Marchi has not chased the current trend to increase the percentage of Sangiovese and continues to blend Canaiolo Nero and a small percentage of Syrah in his deliciously reliable Chianti Classico. Aromas reveal a warm stone flintiness along with baked Mediterranean herbs and scented purple flowers. Limpid and linear, the palate builds with black plum, rose and sweet earth. Full yet vivid, it’s polished yet soulful with seductive truffle nuances to finish, all held together with fine, chalky tannins.”
94 Points, Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast “Made with 83% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 2% Syrah, this lovely, delicious red races out of the gate with enticing scents of perfumed berries, blue flowers, forest floor and baking spice. Smooth and savory, the juicy palate features ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and star anise alongside polished tannins. It’s already drinking beautifully but will also offer several years of sheer pleasure. Drink through 2025.”
93 points, James Suckling “Perfumed nose of dried roses, wild mushrooms, sour cherries, raspberries, olives and spices. Medium-bodied with a firm yet supple tannin frame and a creamy core of red fruit. Delicious finish. Drink or hold.”
RRP $72 Our Special Price $49.50 when you buy 6 or more.
