# Cepparello (2020)

- **Producer:** Isole e Olena
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €110
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, red cherry, black cherry, red plum, dried fruit, vanilla, smoke, cedar, coffee, forest floor, wet leaves, earth, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Isole e Olena's Cepparello is a distinguished Italian red wine from Tuscany, first produced in 1980. It is recognized as one of the early Super Tuscans and is crafted exclusively from 100% Sangiovese grapes. The wine originates from the renowned Isole e Olena estate, established in the 1950s by the De Marchi family, with Paolo De Marchi leading the estate since 1975 and focusing on Sangiovese's potential. The grapes are sourced from old vines in high-elevation vineyards within the northwestern part of Chianti Classico, grown on galestro soils. This approach highlights the estate's commitment to showcasing the Sangiovese varietal and the Tuscan terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Named after a stream on the Isole e Olena estate.
- Considered one of the first Super Tuscans.
- First produced in 1980.
- A pure expression of Sangiovese.

## Food pairing

The wine's robust tannins and full body are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can soften and integrate. Its savory acidity can cut through the richness of fatty meats, while its complex fruit and earthy notes complement game and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

Isole e Olena's Cepparello is produced exclusively from 100% Sangiovese grapes. Following harvest, the wine undergoes fermentation and malolactic fermentation. It is then aged for approximately 18-20 months in French oak barrels, with 25-30% of these being new. A subsequent year of bottle aging precedes the wine's release. The grapes are sourced from old vines located at high elevations (350-450 meters) on galestro soils in the northwestern part of Chianti Classico.