Isole e Olena

The estate takes its name from two historic villages, Isole and Olena, with documentation of Olena dating to the 12th century. Francesco De Marchi, a lawyer, founded the modern estate in 1956. His son Paolo De Marchi assumed control in 1975/1976 and drove a sweeping transformation of viticulture and winemaking that placed the property at the forefront of Chianti Classico's quality renaissance. In 2022, Groupe EPI, owned by Christofer Descours, acquired the estate, with Emanuele Reolon appointed as estate director.

• Olena village documented as far back as the 12th century
• Founded in 1956 by Francesco De Marchi; Paolo De Marchi took the helm in 1975/1976
• Paolo pioneered massal selection and vineyard innovation across the estate
• Acquired by Groupe EPI in 2022; Emanuele Reolon serves as estate director

The estate sits in the western part of Chianti Classico at elevations between 350 and 450 meters. The western exposure brings sea breezes during summer, keeping the vines cool and contributing to the freshness that defines the wines. Soils are a complex mix of galestro, marly schist, limestone, clay slates, and sandstone, providing excellent drainage and mineral character. All wines are produced exclusively from estate-owned grapes across the 56 hectares under vine.

• Elevation: 350-450 meters, providing natural cooling and freshness
• Western exposure allows sea breezes to moderate summer temperatures
• Soils include galestro, marly schist, limestone, clay slates, and sandstone
• All production comes exclusively from estate-grown fruit

Sangiovese is the dominant variety, supported by Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Malvasia, and Trebbiano. The estate produces Chianti Classico DOCG under the appellation rules, alongside IGT wines including Cepparello. The flagship Cepparello is made from 100% Sangiovese and was first bottled in 1980, initially classified as Vino da Tavola before moving to IGT status. It is considered one of the first Supertuscans. The estate is also recognized as one of Italy's finest producers of high-altitude Chardonnay.

• Sangiovese is the primary variety; Cepparello is 100% Sangiovese IGT
• Cepparello first bottled in 1980, now a benchmark Supertuscan
• High-altitude Chardonnay is among Italy's most respected examples
• Portfolio spans Chianti Classico DOCG, IGT reds, white wines, and Vin Santo

Isole e Olena's role in shaping modern Chianti Classico is well established. Paolo De Marchi's adoption of massal selection, combined with rigorous attention to vineyard site and elevation, set standards that influenced producers across the region. Cepparello's early success as a pure Sangiovese IGT challenged conventional thinking about the grape's potential and contributed directly to the Supertuscan movement. The estate's annual production of 240,000 bottles maintains quality through exclusive reliance on estate-grown fruit and a consistent winemaking philosophy built over decades.

• Pioneer of massal selection in Chianti Classico from the 1970s onward
• Cepparello helped establish 100% Sangiovese as a benchmark category
• Recognized for a pivotal role in shaping modern Chianti Classico identity
• Consistent 240,000-bottle annual production from estate fruit only