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Isole e Olena

This estate, run by Paolo de Marchi, is yet another that has seen a dramatic rise in quality over the last few decades. Paolo's family, originally from Piedmont, purchased the estate in the 1960s. His attention to detail in both the vineyard and the winery was the driving force that turned quality around. Experience working a vintage or two in California helped, but no doubt the input received from oenological consultant Donato Lanati has also been of significance.

The wines have Cepparello at their head, a barrique-aged Sangiovese classified as an IGT - because at the time of its creation in the 1980s a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not legally be labelled as Chianti. There is a Chianti Classico and a Vin Santo, as well as some excellent wines from the Collezione de Marchi label, including a Syrah called Eremo, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay. (14/10/02)

Contact details:
Address: Isole 1, 50021 Barberino Val d'Elsa
Telephone: +39 055 807 2767
Fax: +39 055 807 2236

Isole e Olena - Tasting Notes

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Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2006: This is quite closed on the nose, giving just the sense of a warm and distant fruit. The same character is there on the palate, with a warm and gritty texture. Full, substantial, with good acidity and a nice chewy finish. Difficult to judge today but it certainly has the appropriate stuffing to be interesting. From a Liberty Wines tasting. 15-16+?/20 (February 2009)

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2005: This has a rather pale hue compared to some of the other 2005 Classicos. No lack of character on the nose though, which has bright, minerally, smoky-funky-feral fruit. The palate has appealing structure, although with a rather simple, charcoaly fruit profile. Despite this, there is quite a chewy grip. Overall this has a rather rustic style; I think there are better wines out there. From a Liberty Wines tasting. 14.5+/20 (February 2008)

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2005: A rather high-toned character on the nose here, with a spirity and foxy edge. The palate has fruit, flesh and overall an attractive composition. There is a lot of good substance, with piles of ripe, chewy tannins and firm acidity. Very primary at present, with lots of flavour at first. This is brimming with potential and needs to be left alone for some time I think. From a Liberty Wines tasting. 16.5-17.5+/20 (February 2009)

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2003: There is a moderate depth of colour here, and on the nose some medicinal, cherry-herby fruit. It has some attractive, meaty elements of depth to it though. The palate is nicely composed, showing some ripe cherry pie fruit. It doesn't have the overtly brawny character of the vintage, and in fact it possesses a rather silky texture around a good, polished grip and a core of acidity. There is a warm feel to the flavours although nothing baked. A good wine, although not outstanding. From a Liberty Wines tasting. 16.5+/20 (February 2008)

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2001: A nice, vibrant colour, showing early maturity, if a little pale. Sweet roasted fruit with a tarry, floral character, notes of roasted chestnuts too. Some development here. Medium body on the palate, with a full, polyphenol influenced mouthfeel. Rounded, slightly oily, with some decent fruit. Good tannic backbone, but lacks freshness and verve I think. Disappointing for what is a great vintage. 14/20 (March 2005)

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 1999: Another beautifully coloured wine, a rich but not opaque garnet red hue. The nose has firm, dense fruit and evidence of new oak, but it closes down after a short while to reveal very little. A firm, masculine structure on the palate, with lots of texture and weight on the attack, and plenty of spicy tannins coming through from the midpalate onwards. The fruit is hiding a little at the moment, but this clearly won't always be the case. 16.5+/20 (October 2002) Label

Isole e Olena Cepparello 1998: A fairly deep colour to this super-Tuscan, tasted in its youth. From the outset the nose has plenty of bramble and berry fruit, together with smoky, tarry notes suggestive of depth and extract. Rich and velvety on the palate, although only medium-full bodied, and cut through with good acidity which is immediately apparent on entry. Plentiful dark fruits, good extract as the nose suggested, and ripe, supple but firm tannins. Strong finish, with a sweet, tannic edge, and a note of elegance. Decent length. 17+/20 (October 2002) Label