Isole e Olena Cepparello 2018

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2018 is one of Tuscany’s benchmark expressions of pure Sangiovese, crafted to showcase the grape at its most elegant and precise. In this vintage, the wine feels particularly luminous and refined, with a clarity of fruit and aroma that underlines its classic, almost archetypal character. Produced in limited quantities, it has become a reference-point wine for collectors and Sangiovese lovers alike, sitting comfortably among the most revered reds of Italy.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Cepparello presents a vibrant, medium-deep ruby hue with delicate garnet reflections toward the rim, hinting at both freshness and nascent complexity. The nose is finely detailed and lifted: tart red cherries, blackcurrant and redcurrant interlace with notes of wild violets, dried rose petals and subtle balsamic herbs. Hints of sweet tobacco, cedar shavings and a gentle mineral undertone add further layers as the wine opens in the glass. On the palate, the wine is poised and tightly woven, combining finesse with underlying muscle. The core of sour cherry and blackcurrant is supported by sweet, polished tannins that feel firm yet silky, giving the wine both structure and grace. Fresh but integrated acidity provides brightness and length, carrying notes of herbs, florals and a touch of spice through a long, persistent finish. Still youthful, the 2018 has the concentration and balance to age beautifully for 10–15 years or more, gaining greater complexity and tertiary nuances with time in the cellar.

Production
Cepparello is sourced from some of Isole e Olena’s best hillside vineyards in the heart of Tuscany, where Sangiovese thrives on stony, well-drained soils and significant diurnal temperature shifts preserve aromatic intensity and freshness. Grapes are typically hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, allowing for careful bunch selection in the vineyard and upon arrival at the winery. The Sangiovese is vinified with a focus on purity and precision: a controlled fermentation and maceration extract fine tannins and vibrant colour without heaviness, after which the wine is aged in oak (largely French barriques) to add texture and complexity while maintaining the grape’s signature brightness and varietal character. The 2018 vintage yielded around 42,000 bottles, underlining its status as a meticulously crafted, not mass-produced, Tuscan icon.

Food & Serving
Cepparello 2018 is a natural partner for classic Tuscan cuisine and refined meat dishes. It shines with bistecca alla fiorentina, roast lamb with herbs, braised veal, game birds, and rich pasta dishes featuring ragù, truffles or porcini mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with aged Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano and other hard, mature cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Bordeaux or Burgundy-style glasses to let the bouquet fully unfold. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended in its youth to soften the tannins and release the wine’s full aromatic complexity.

Producer
Isole e Olena is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, situated in the Chianti Classico area between Florence and Siena. The modern history of the winery is closely associated with Paolo De Marchi, who took over in the 1970s and became a leading voice in elevating Sangiovese and Tuscan wine quality. By focusing on lower yields, careful vineyard management and thoughtful use of oak, Isole e Olena helped redefine what Chianti Classico and Tuscan reds could be, bridging tradition and innovation. Cepparello, first produced in the early 1980s, quickly gained recognition as one of Italy’s great Sangiovese wines and played a key role in the rise of the so-called “Super Tuscan” movement. Today, the estate remains a benchmark for purity of fruit, terroir expression and ageworthy, elegant Tuscan reds.

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