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Isole e Olena Cepparello 2020 750ml
Isole e Olena Cepparello 2020 750ml
ITALY : TUSCANY : TOSCANA IGT
ORGANIC : Sangiovese
FULL-BODIED, BLACK CHERRY, GRAPHITE, CRUSHED STONE, CANDIED ORANGE PEEL, NEW OAK
Cepparello is the reason "Super Tuscan" exists as a category. Paolo De Marchi began producing it in 1980, when 100% varietal Sangiovese outside the Chianti Classico rulebook was a declaration — that the grape could stand alone, unblended, and reach something exceptional. It could. Sourced from galestro soils at 400–480 meters on the estate's southwest-facing slopes in the heart of Chianti Classico territory, Cepparello is classified as Toscana IGT by choice — the appellation rules don't matter when the wine speaks clearly enough on its own.
The 2020 vintage is one of the strongest in recent memory: a dry season with excellent September conditions produced concentrated, precise fruit. Twenty months in French oak barrique, 25% new, contributed the graphite and mineral stone character that define this wine; 15% ABV reflects the vintage's warmth without tipping into heaviness. Vinous called it "a total stunner" at 98 points; Wine Advocate landed at 96, noting only Paolo De Marchi could bring Sangiovese to "soaring heights."
PAIRINGS :
| Bistecca alla Fiorentina | the canonical Tuscan pairing — Sangiovese tannin and acidity were made for this cut |
| Wild boar ragu over pappardelle | game meat depth meets the wine's earthy mineral character; acidity lifts the richness |
| Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano with cured meats | the wine's mineral frame handles fat and salt without softening |
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