2018 | Isole e Olena | Cepparello

The aromas of dark fruit and hazelnuts are so enticing, with undertones of licorice and slate. Medium to full body with round tannins and a savory finish. It’s so pretty to taste. Just a hint of allspice at the end.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2018 Cepparello is a beautiful expression that speaks to the classic and most exemplary side of this versatile and deeply expressive grape. This vintage is especially bright and ethereal with a true sense of luminosity and clarity that radiates from both the wine's appearance and its fragrant bouquet. Tart cherry and cassis segue to balsam herb and wild violets. To the palate, the wine shows muscle and determination with sweet tannins and impressive depth of favor. Cepparello remains true to its unique identity in this vintage.

• Decanter: Like the 2018 Chianti Classico, Cepparello shows no dilution, although the pure Sangiovese fruit gives a more austere structure. The sour cherry nose is lightly smoky but refined. Rich and very concentrated, the palate is supported by firm tannins that are in stark contrast to the breezier Chianti Classico. At present it's rather closed and furry, and needs time to harmonise and the tannins to integrate. The high alcohol doesn't show, and there's ample energy on the long finish.

Producer Information

Isole e Olena is one of the most prominent producers in the Chianti region of Italy. It has been credited with helping revive the quality of Chianti in the 1970s, and its flagship wine – Cepparello – is one of the most famous wines falling under the Super Tuscan designation. The estate lies within the boundaries of the Chianti Classico DOCG, a few hours' drive south of Florence in western Chianti. It was formed from the purchase and consolidation of two neighboring properties – Isole and Olena – by the De Marchi family in the 1950s. In the 1970s, Isole e Olena began a push toward quality, and fourth-generation winemaker Paolo de Marchi began to improve viticulture and viniculture techniques to make better wines in smaller quantities. In 1980, De Marchi released the first vintage of Cepparello, a wine that was then excluded from the title of Chianti Classico as it was 100 percent Sangiovese. It instead was bottled as a Vino da Tavola, or table wine, and joined the ranks of the so-called Super Tuscans, alongside wines like Tignanello and Masseto. These were able to claim the title of Toscana IGT in 1992. Isole e Olena make several other wines, including a Chianti Classico, a Vin Santo, and a range of wines made from more international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon under the name Collezione de Marchi. In addition to this, the company makes a Syrah called L'Eremo.

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