Cepparello 2014 Toscana IGT - Isole e Olena

Cepparello 2014 – Isole e Olena

Cepparello is one of the first Super Tuscans made from Sangiovese alone. It was born in 1980, when Paolo De Marchi, who had run Isole e Olena since 1976, chose to step outside the rules of Chianti Classico at the time, which required white grapes in the blend. The name is that of a stream rising at the top of the estate's vineyards in Barberino Tavarnelle, in the north-western corner of Chianti Classico.

The grapes come from the best and oldest vineyards, on galestro at 400-480 metres. The wine ferments in conical oak vats and ages 18-20 months in French barriques, only partly new, so the oak supports rather than dominates.

2014 was a cool, wet and difficult vintage, which gave a Cepparello of finesse rather than power: cherry, violet, herbs and tobacco, with vibrant acidity and fine tannins. It is now in a lovely phase, showing its first tertiary notes. One of the benchmarks of Tuscan Sangiovese, alongside Flaccianello and Le Pergole Torte. With roasts and bistecca alla fiorentina.

At a glance: Sangiovese 100% · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico