ISOLE E OLENA, CEPPARELLO IGT
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019
Why Buy: A 97+-point, old-vine, high-elevation, all-Sangiovese Super Tuscan from one of the beloved founding fathers of the idiom and a titan of Chianti, Isole e Olena, and a rich and structured red that is destined for a long life over several decades.
What They're Saying: "The 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage," Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate wrote in a tender tribute. "The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel.."
The Story: Cepparello was produced for the first time in 1980, becoming one of the first Super Tuscans. At the time, it bore the classification vino da tavola, the only possible appellation for a Super Tuscan in that era. Today, it is a wine of special distinction, sourced from grapes from selected estate clones in the northwestern part of Chianti Classico (only those vines that are awarded tags on five separate site visits from de Marchi made the final cut). This is optimal terroir, high-elevation (nearly 1,500 feet above sea level) and rocky (with rich, galestro soils), and the vineyards are further blessed with old vines (some as old as 55 years). It is from these excellent and enviable raw materials that de Marchi has crafted his exquisitely-realized Sangioveses. Note: the wine was eligible to carry the DOCG classification, but de Marchi opted to go instead with the IGT classification, arguing that it is quality that matters to him most.
Specs: The wine aged for approximately 20 months in French barriques (1/3rd of which was new oak).
Our Tasting Notes: A characteristically slow, unfolding experience, from the complex nose (gorgeous floral and berry notes, with hints of spice) to the full, generous palate, whose earthy savoriness compels lingering over. The tannins are soft, and the gentle acidity carries you to the slow, full finish.
What to Pair It With: This is a wine, ideally, to savor in the company of friends and loved ones, but it will also make a wonderful accompaniment to rich, lusty pastas, long braises and stews, and roasted lamb and pork.
ABV: 15%.
Fun Fact: According to The Wine Independent, when de Marchi's father purchased the estate, it "consisted of two abandoned hamlets, Isole and Olena." Hence, the lyrical and evocative name.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so you can be confident that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Don't hesitate to secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2023 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2024). All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, DE, KS, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NM, NY, SC, TN, or VA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, October 23rd, 2023.
