At a glance

Producer

Isole e Olena

Region

Toscana, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$80-$130 USD

Tasting profile

Red and black cherry, violets, dried herbs, graphite, tobacco, spice. Firm structure, subtle oak.

Evolution: Will develop tertiary notes of leather, earth, cedar, dried flowers, and enhanced complexity over the next decade.

At peak: Harmonious integration of fruit, acidity, and tannins with profound complexity from 2028 onward.

Structure

Acidity

Medium+; classic freshness typical of top Tuscan Sangiovese.

Tannins

Medium+ to high; well-structured but still integrating.

Alcohol

Medium to medium+ (13.5%-14.5% typical for vintage).

Aging potential

Excellent; can age gracefully 15-20 years in proper cellaring.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2038

Optimal window

2026 to 2042

Current status

Approachable now with decanting, but will benefit greatly from further aging.

Current condition

Youthful; fresh fruit, firm tannins, vibrant acidity, showing promise but primary.

Cepparello is a single-vineyard 100% Sangiovese crafted for structure and longevity. Youthful vibrance and oak influence mellow with age, unveiling layered aromatics and finesse. Peak window reflects balance between maturity and freshness.

Food pairing

Ideal with grilled lamb, wild boar ragu, porcini risotto, aged Pecorino, braised meats.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium+ to high tannins that are still integrating, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Low chemical inputs, natural cover crops, selective hand-harvesting. Integrated pest management, careful water use, gravity-flow winemaking. Reduction in plastic use, lighter glass bottles.

Isole e Olena emphasizes sustainability through minimal intervention, organic methods (in conversion), and biodiversity encouragement. Limited use of fossil-fuel machinery—most vineyard work is manual. No synthetic herbicides/pesticides. Packaging initiatives lower environmental impact, but full organic/biodynamic certification still pending. Exported wine has moderate carbon impact, mitigated by efficient logistics and lighter bottles. Overall, the estate is a recognized leader in sustainable viticulture among Tuscan producers.