Isole e Olena

Isole e Olena is one of the most prominent producers in the Chianti region of Italy. It has been credited with helping revive the quality of Chianti in the 1970s, and its flagship wine – Cepparello – is one of the most famous wines falling under the Super Tuscan designation.

The estate lies within the boundaries of the Chianti Classico DOCG, a few hours' drive south of Florence. It was formed from the purchase and consolidation of two neighboring properties – Isole and Olena – by the De Marchi family in the 1950s. In the 1970s, Isole e Olena began a push toward quality, and fourth-generation winemaker Paolo de Marchi began to improve viticulture and viniculture techniques to make better wines in smaller quantities.

In 1980, De Marchi released the first vintage of Cepparello, a wine that was then excluded from the title of Chianti Classico as it was 100 percent Sangiovese. It instead was bottled as a Vino da Tavola, or table wine, and joined the ranks of the so-called Super Tuscans, alongside wines like Tignanello and Masseto. These were given the title of Toscana IGT in 1992.

Isole e Olena make several other wines, including a Chianti Classico, a Vin Santo, and a range of wines made from more international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon under the name Collezione de Marchi. In addition to this, the company makes a Syrah called L'Eremo.