Isole e OlenaProducer from Tuscany, Italy

The Isole e Olena winery, a beacon of excellence in Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region, has a history that dates back to the 1950s. The estate, comprising the villages of Isole and Olena, was purchased by the De Marchi family, originally from Alto Piemonte. This northern Italian region had been home to the De Marchi family for generations, but the challenging market for their wines led Paolo De Marchi’s father to seek new opportunities in Tuscany. The Isole e Olena estate was then just a patchwork of neglected vineyards, but it had the potential that would later be unlocked by Paolo De Marchi.

In 1976, a young Paolo De Marchi, just 25 years old, took the reins of the estate, marking the beginning of a transformative era. With a degree in agricultural sciences and winemaking from the University of Turin, Paolo brought both passion and expertise to his new role. His initial years were dedicated to rejuvenating the estate, which was in dire need of renovation. He replanted two-thirds of the vineyards with low-yielding clones, doubled vine density, and restored the ancient terraces that would later define the estate’s wines.

The early years were not without challenges. The Chianti Classico region at the time was bound by regulations that required the inclusion of white grapes in the blend, a remnant from the days when sharecroppers needed light, acidic wines for daily consumption. Paolo, however, was dissatisfied with the quality this produced and quickly began selling off the white grape wine, focusing instead on improving the red wine. By 1980, Paolo made the bold decision to produce a 100% Sangiovese wine, naming it Cepparello after a small creek on the estate. This move was revolutionary, as pure Sangiovese wines were not legally recognized as Chianti Classico at the time. Cepparello became one of the first "Super Tuscans," and it is now the flagship wine of Isole e Olena, known worldwide for its elegance and longevity.

In addition to his dedication to Sangiovese, Paolo was intrigued by international varieties. He grafted Chardonnay onto existing Trebbiano vines in 1984, producing a wine that was immediately successful. This was followed by the introduction of Syrah in 1988, making Isole e Olena the first Italian estate to explore this variety. Despite the international attention these wines brought, Paolo remained committed to his vision for Chianti Classico, ensuring that Sangiovese remained at the heart of his production.

The Isole e Olena estate, located on the western slopes of Chianti Classico at elevations of 350-450 meters, benefits from the cooling maritime breezes and the complex soils of limestone and clay. These conditions are ideal for producing wines with fine acidity, elegance, and a distinctive minerality. The standard Chianti Classico from Isole e Olena is celebrated for its freshness and purity of fruit, a testament to the meticulous care that goes into every bottle.

Paolo De Marchi’s approach to winemaking has always been marked by a deep respect for the land. He believes in long-term strategies rather than short-term trends, a philosophy that has guided the estate through decades of change. Under his leadership, Isole e Olena has not only preserved but also enhanced the typicity of Chianti Classico, making it one of the most respected names in the region.

In 2022, after nearly five decades at the helm, Paolo De Marchi sold the estate to the French luxury group EPI, which also owns Champagne houses such as Charles Heidsieck and the historic Biondi Santi estate in Montalcino. Although this marked the end of an era, Paolo’s legacy at Isole e Olena is set to continue, as he remains involved in the transition until the end of 2023. The estate's future now rests in the hands of EPI, but the foundations laid by Paolo ensure that Isole e Olena will continue to produce some of Tuscany’s most revered wines for years to come.

Wines produced by Isole e Olena

Isole e Olena Cepparello - A Super Tuscan made from 100% Sangiovese.

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico - The flagship red wine of the estate.

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione - A premium selection from the best vineyard sites.

Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Chardonnay 

Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah 

Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon 

Vin Santo del Chianti Classico - A traditional sweet wine made from dried grapes.