Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana 2019 750ml
Description
The 2019 Cepparello from Isole e Olena stands as one of Tuscany’s most elegant and refined expressions of pure Sangiovese, a wine that has achieved legendary status among collectors and critics alike. From the estate’s finest hillside vineyards in Chianti Classico, where optimal exposures and galestro soils create perfect conditions for Sangiovese, Paolo De Marchi has crafted a wine that represents the pinnacle of what this noble variety can achieve. This is Super Tuscan in the truest sense – not because it includes international varieties, but because it transcends appellation boundaries through sheer quality.
The wine displays a luminous ruby-garnet color that speaks to both concentration and elegance. The nose is hauntingly beautiful and complex, offering the most refined expression of Sangiovese imaginable. Pure red cherry, wild strawberry, and rose petals create the aromatic foundation, enhanced by notes of tobacco, leather, dried herbs, and orange peel. The complexity builds in the glass – hints of truffle, balsamic, graphite, and sweet spices emerge. What distinguishes Cepparello is its combination of intensity and ethereal elegance, never feeling heavy despite its obvious concentration.
On the palate, the 2019 Cepparello delivers a masterclass in balance and finesse. The texture is silky and refined, with ultra-fine tannins that provide structure while remaining almost imperceptible. This is Sangiovese at its most elegant – pure, precise, and perfectly proportioned. Flavors of red cherry, pomegranate, and blood orange are complemented by complex notes of tobacco, leather, dried herbs, and mineral. The wine’s energy is remarkable, with vibrant acidity that lifts and extends the finish. Every element is in perfect harmony, creating a sense of completeness that defines great wine.
Paolo De Marchi’s philosophy with Cepparello has always been to showcase Sangiovese at its purest and most elegant. Meticulous vineyard work, including severe selection and low yields, creates the foundation. In the cellar, gentle extraction and aging in French oak barrique add complexity without masking the variety’s essential character. The result is a wine that stands among the greatest expressions of Sangiovese, regardless of appellation or price.
The finish is extraordinarily long and complex, with waves of red fruit, spice, and mineral that seem to pulse with energy. This is a wine built for the long haul – while already showing magnificently, it will continue to evolve and improve for the next 20+ years. Whether paired with fine cuisine or savored on its own as a meditation wine, Cepparello offers an unforgettable experience.
For collectors and Sangiovese enthusiasts, the 2019 Cepparello represents a must-have bottling from an exceptional vintage, showcasing the absolute pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking artistry.
- Producer
- Isole E Olena
