Isole e Olena - Cepparello Toscana IGT 2012

Founded in 1956 by Francesco De Marchi, this historic Chianti Classico estate is located in the western part of the denomination, near Castellina in Chianti, in the commune of Barberina Val d’Elsa. Isole e Olena’s 56 hectares (138 acres) of vineyards sit at 350-450 meters (1,148 – 1,476 feet) above sea level on soils of galestro and marly schist.

Cepparello is one of Italy's most iconic wines and a reflection of Paolo De Marchi's career. 1980 was the first vintage produced, but it started in the vineyard in the early 70's. The common misunderstanding that Sangiovese needed to be blended with Bordeaux varieties to be great puzzled Paolo, he said the problem isn't with Sangiovese; it's with us, we don't know how to farm it. From there he started a 20 year journey of clonal selection and viniculture that ended with what today is considered the baseline for producing great Sangiovese in Chianti Classico. Today Cepparello, named after a small seasonal stream among the vineyards, is a selection of the estates best fruit. Soils primarily Galestro, vineyards orientated Southwest and are 400 meters above sea-level.

"This is a landmark wine from Tuscany that continues to offer greatness even in the uneven vintages. The 2012 Cepparello is a gregarious and beautifully intense expression that speaks highly of this beautiful and somewhat isolated corner of the Chianti Classico appellation in Barberino Val d'Elsa. I must underline that this vintage is very different from the plump and extra round 2011 Cepparello that precedes it. In fact, I like the more austere style that is so confidently put on display in 2012. That streamlined power and forthcoming determination is well matched to the natural heft and density of this important Sangiovese-based wine. It shows excellent elegance, good tannin management and a somewhat trimmed down style. There's no extra fat here and the inner fruit stands tall as a result. The first vintage of Cepparello was made was 1980." - 94 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Pretty bright fruit with blackcurrant, violet and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Full body, firm and linear tannins and a fresh finish. Needs two or three years to soften. Cepparello is always a classic. Better in 2017." - 94 points, James Suckling

Producer: Isole e Olena

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Sangiovese

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Vintage: 2012

Size: 750ml