Isole e Olena
About Isole e Olena
Made all the more impressive given the incredibly high bar set by the two previously outstanding vintages (2015 and 2016), Isole e Olena has been on a relentless march of excellence in recent years. Currently one of the most widely loved and highly sought-after producers in Tuscany, the Piedmont-native de Marche family purchased two properties, Isole and Olena, in the 1960s before combining them to leave current owner Paolo de Marche as the passionate head of an iconic estate situated on the Western flank of Chianti Classico.
Exposed to the cooling maritime influences of ocean breezes more so than almost any other producer, Isole e Olena benefits greatly from tempering of the ferocious Tuscan sun as a result, slowing ripening thus allowing beautiful development of fruit without soaring alcohol nor elevated sugars. Its effect on the final wines is clear for all to taste, with a more elegant, fresh and beautifully perfumed character than many of their neighbours.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Tuscany | 1 | 100 (WI) | HK$5,480.00 | |||||
The Wine Independent (100)Paolo di Marchi’s leaving present to Tuscany is this delightful 2019 Isole e Olena Cepparello. Cepparello is a blend of Sangiovese from different vineyards, selected by Di Marchi on the basis of "the best exposure, elevation, soil, genetics and age. I feel this adds complexity.” The first vintage was in 1980 when 100% Sangiovese was not permitted under the Chianti Classico rules. Those rules have since changed but the wine remains an IGT Toscana. It has a supremely enticing nose with cream and exotic spice, reminding me of Arabian spice markets. With the 2019 there is an added precision to the aromas, less heavy oak, and no greenness on the palate. It is concentrated with a rich velvety texture but without any heaviness and with a gentle unforced quality. The tannins are fine and very well integrated, in fact finer and better integrated than even the excellent 2016 vintage. It is of course very young now but it’s almost too delicious not to drink! Supremely graceful, it just gets better and better. |