Isole e Olena is a shining example of Chianti excellence in the verdant, undulating hills of Tuscany, where centuries of winemaking have produced some of the most recognisable wines in the world. This legendary estate is a byword for excellence, style, and Chianti Classico’s personality. Isole e Olena is renowned for creating wines that exhibit a sophisticated harmony between tradition and innovation, embodying the winemaking craft that characterises the Chianti area of Italy. Let’s explore the terroir, history, and methods that have shaped this beloved winery and the captivating wines that come from it.
Isole e Olena
Località Isole, 1, 50028 Barberino Tavarnelle FI, Italy
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A Look Back at the History of Isole e Olena
Isole e Olena’s origins may be traced to the 1950s, when it was created by combining two estates with centuries-old histories: Isole and Olena. Realising the potential for producing high-quality wine, the de Marchi family, originally from Piedmont, bought the site in 1956 and restored the vineyards and land. After assuming control of the property in the 1970s, Paolo de Marchi would play a key role in elevating Isole e Olena to the status of one of Italy’s most prestigious wineries.
Paolo offered a contemporary viewpoint to Chianti with the goal of improving its standing abroad. He developed strict vineyard management procedures, concentrated on high-quality, low-yield grapes, and experimented with novel viticulture techniques. The distinctive style of Isole e Olena wines, especially their renowned Chianti Classico, would be defined by his love of both tradition and innovation.
Isole e Olena’s Terroir: Revealing the Distinctive Chianti Terrain
The diverse microclimates, elevations, and soil types found in Chianti’s terrain influence the wines made there. Isole e Olena, which is situated in Barberino Tavarnelle, between Florence and Siena, enjoys a special microclimate that enhances the complexity and beauty of its wines.
Because the vineyards are situated between 350 and 450 meters above sea level, there is a considerable difference in temperature between day and night. Chianti’s well-balanced profile is a result of this contrast, which maintains the fruits’ acidity and freshness. The soil, which is a mixture of schist, clay, and limestone, contributes a unique mineral flavour and structure that is necessary to create wines that age well.
Sangiovese is in the Heart and Soul of Isole e Olena’s Chianti
The main grape used in Chianti Classico is Sangiovese, and Isole e Olena is well known for its commitment to enhancing this kind. Cultivating Sangiovese is difficult; it takes patience and talent to bring out the finest in each vine. To guarantee that only the best fruit is taken, Isole e Olena pays close attention to the Sangiovese vines through green harvesting, leaf thinning, and careful pruning.
Beyond vineyard methods, Paolo de Marchi is committed to Sangiovese. He studied several Sangiovese clones in the 1980s to learn more about their unique characteristics. Certain clones that improved the wines of Isole e Olena in terms of complexity, elegance, and ageing potential were chosen as a result of this research.
The end product is a Chianti Classico with earthy undertones, vivid cherry, and a backbone of robust acidity that perfectly captures the essence of Sangiovese.
Methods of Winemaking: Combining Innovation and Tradition
Isole e Olena’s winemaking philosophy promotes innovation even though it is firmly anchored in Tuscan winemaking heritage. Although Paolo de Marchi has used contemporary methods, he has always respected Chianti’s traditional essence.
The decision to mature some of the Chianti Classico in French oak barrels instead of the more conventional Slavonian oak was one notable innovation. This method softens the tannins and provides a layer of complexity to the wine without dominating its fruity essence. In order to maintain the integrity of the Sangiovese and let the wine show its terroir, De Marchi takes great care to use only a tiny quantity of new wood.
In order to improve structure and add delicate layers to the wines, the estate also experiments with other grape varieties, such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are blended in modest amounts. An excellent illustration of this innovation is Isole e Olena’s flagship wine, Cepparello, which is composed completely of Sangiovese yet is produced with the elegance and structure of a premium wine.
The Art of Ageing: Crafting Wines Built to Last
The wines of Isole e Olena are renowned for their capacity to age, a characteristic attained by meticulous vineyard management, selection, and cellaring techniques. Depending on the intended style and character, the wines are matured in a combination of bigger oak casks and French oak barriques after fermentation. The average ageing period for Chianti Classico is 12 to 24 months, which gives the wine time to combine its flavours and create depth.
Even more time is spent ageing the estate’s famous single-vineyard Sangiovese, Cepparello. Usually, this wine is matured in oak for 18 to 24 months before being allowed to age further in the bottle. The wine’s structure is improved by the prolonged ageing procedure, which also produces a rich bouquet of earthy, spiced, tobacco, and cherry aromas that develop exquisitely over time. Because of its commitment to ageing, Cepparello has become one of Italy’s most sought-after wines, with the ability to age beautifully for many years.
Understanding the value of protecting the land for coming generations, Isole e Olena is dedicated to sustainable farming methods. The estate emphasises soil health through cover crops and natural composting, reduces the use of chemicals, and controls pests and illnesses using organic ways. Because bright, expressive wines are a result of healthy soils, these methods not only preserve the environment but also improve grape quality.
The estate has also adopted biodynamic methods in recent years, encouraging a comprehensive strategy that views the vineyard as a networked ecosystem. Isole e Olena’s devotion to quality, tradition, and land care is reflected in this commitment to sustainability.
Isole e Olena’s Range of Wines: A Symphony of Flavors
Although Isole e Olena’s portfolio is anchored on Chianti Classico, the estate produces a variety of wines that highlight its commitment to quality craftsmanship and stylistic experimentation:
The quintessential Sangiovese wine, Chianti Classico, has earthy undertones, vivid red fruit, and spice. It is food-friendly, adaptable, and made to age well.
Cepparello: The estate’s most celebrated wine, Cepparello is made entirely of Sangiovese and has exceptional depth, complexity, and ageing potential.
Collezione Privata Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon: These single-varietal wines, which have robust, structured profiles with a touch of Tuscan character, show off the estate’s terroir’s adaptability.
Made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is a special and highly regarded dessert wine that is matured for a number of years to generate a rich flavour profile of caramel, almonds, and dried fruits.
The wines
