Isole e Olena Cepparello 2021

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2021 is one of Tuscany’s modern icons: a 100% Sangiovese that marries classic Chianti finesse with the depth and precision of a “Super Tuscan.” The 2021 vintage is immediately charming, with ripe yet vibrantly fresh fruit and an elegance that promises superb development in bottle. Lighter in extraction and more transparent than some previous, denser vintages, this Cepparello showcases a purer, more refined expression of high‑altitude Sangiovese that has helped define the style of contemporary Tuscan fine wine.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Cepparello 2021 shows a luminous, medium ruby color with garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at its energy and finesse. The nose is intensely fragrant and layered: sour cherry, red currant and wild strawberry are wrapped in notes of violet, dried herbs, blood orange peel and a gentle touch of cedar, spice box and fine tobacco from its time in oak. On the palate, the wine is precise and linear, with juicy, tangy red fruit at the core—think juicy cherry and red plum—supported by crisp, mouth‑watering acidity and beautifully sculpted, fine‑grained tannins. There’s a sense of clarity and lift rather than heaviness, with subtle notes of graphite, savory spice and dried flowers unfolding with air. The finish is long, focused and saline, suggesting excellent aging capacity. While already approachable with some aeration, this 2021 has the structure to evolve gracefully for 10–15 years or more in a good cellar.

Production
Cepparello is sourced from Isole e Olena’s best Sangiovese parcels in the hills of Barberino Tavarnelle in the heart of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. Here, vineyards sit at relatively high altitudes on a mix of galestro (friable schist), limestone and clay, providing excellent drainage, slow ripening and a natural freshness that defines the wine’s style. Grapes are carefully hand‑harvested at optimal maturity, sorted rigorously, and vinified as 100% Sangiovese—unusual when Cepparello was first created, and still a benchmark today. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature‑controlled tanks with gentle extraction to preserve transparency and aromatic purity, followed by maturation in French oak barriques (a portion new) and larger barrels. The 2021’s slightly lighter, more crystalline feel reflects a deliberate choice toward finesse over sheer power, highlighting the character of both the vintage and the estate’s terroir.

Food & Serving
Cepparello 2021 is a natural match for refined Tuscan and Italian cuisine: bistecca alla fiorentina, roasted lamb with rosemary, wild boar ragù, braised short ribs, or handmade pappardelle with rich meat sauces all work beautifully. It also pairs elegantly with truffle dishes, aged Pecorino Toscano, mature Parmigiano‑Reggiano and earthy mushroom preparations. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to emphasize freshness and aromatic complexity. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth helps the wine open up its floral and savory layers; as it matures, a shorter decant will be sufficient to remove sediment and let the bouquet fully express itself.

Producer
Isole e Olena is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, located in the rolling hills of Barberino Tavarnelle in the Chianti Classico area. The estate gained international renown under the guidance of Paolo De Marchi, who arrived in the 1970s and became a pioneer in elevating Sangiovese through meticulous vineyard work and thoughtful, terroir‑driven winemaking. Cepparello, first produced in the early 1980s as a daring pure Sangiovese labeled outside the traditional DOC regulations, quickly became a reference point for the “Super Tuscan” movement and for top‑tier Sangiovese worldwide. Today, Isole e Olena is celebrated for its combination of tradition and innovation, its commitment to expressing the unique character of its high‑altitude vineyards, and its consistent presence among the most acclaimed wines of Tuscany.

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