At a glance

Producer

Isole e Olena

Region

Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$70-$120 USD (750ml bottle, 2024 int'l retail)

Tasting profile

Vibrant, aromatic red and black cherry, violet, tobacco, subtle spice, graphite, and hints of earth. Tannins still prominent but accessible.

Evolution: Flavors will deepen and integrate over the coming years, developing savory notes, more leather, and complex tertiary nuances.

At peak: Supple mouthfeel, harmonious balance, evolved bouquet of forest floor, worn leather, kirsch, dried herbs, and persistent minerality.

Structure

Acidity

Vivid, supporting structure

Tannins

Firm, refined, integrated

Alcohol

Moderate (13.5%-14%)

Aging potential

Excellent for a single-varietal Sangiovese; 12-18 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2032

Optimal window

2024 to 2035

Current status

Drink or Hold

Current condition

Still youthful but already accessible, with potential to develop greater complexity

Cepparello 2020 is made entirely from Sangiovese, matured in French oak, and crafted for age-worthiness. Its pedigree and vintage conditions suggest a generous drinking window, peaking in complexity and harmony 7-12 years after harvest.

Food pairing

Florentine steak, roast lamb, aged pecorino, mushroom risotto, wild boar ragù, braised meats.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm tannins and is medium-bodied, which can benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and soften the tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Emphasis on low-intervention, biodiversity, natural pest management, cover cropping. Estate reduces agrochemical use below regional averages. Energy use is moderate; limited use of renewable sources. Packaging is traditional (standard-weight glass, cork).

Isole e Olena has been a leader among quality-focused Tuscan producers for sustainable vineyard management, prioritizing soil health and reduced chemicals for decades. However, lacking formal organic or biodynamic certifications and only moderate adoption of energy/water innovations holds their score below the highest echelon. Glass use is typical for fine wine; not lightweight or recycled. Broader distribution adds shipping emissions. However, their ongoing conversion to more sustainable farming and minimal-intervention approach places them above average for the region.