Producer profile: Isole e Olena

Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
Owner: EPI Group
Vineyard holdings: 56 hectares under vine
Consultant oenologist: Paolo De Marchi
Number of employees: 25
Annual production: 240,000 bottles

Founded in 1956 by lawyer Francesco De Marchi, Isole e Olena has longed served as a benchmark for beautifully structured Chianti Classico. Yet it was his son, Paolo De Marchi, who set this Tuscan estate on its path towards greatness following his arrival in 1976. Having cut his winemaking teeth in Piedmont and California, De Marchi brought a laser-sharp focus on quality at a time when Chianti Classico was still struggling to define its identity.

He overhauled vineyard practices, championed massal selection, and launched Cepparello in 1980 to critical acclaim. Initially marketed as a humble Vino de Tavola – Cepparello's ageing regime fell outside regulations – the wine (100% Sangiovese) was a Super Tuscan that aimed to elevate Chianti Classico, rather than merely imitate Bordeaux.

Today, Cepparello remains a cornerstone of the estate's portfolio – joined by a superlative Chianti Classico made predominately from Sangiovese with a touch of Canaiolo. The estate's Chardonnay, meanwhile, ranks among Tuscany's finest. Grown at altitude on calcareous soils and matured on its fine lees with restrained use of new oak, it is a wine of great elegance and minerality – a Burgundy in all but name.

In 2022, Isole e Olena was acquired by the EPI Group, a French company owned by Christofer Descours. Continuity, however, remains a defining principle. The estate's new director, Emanuele Reolon, worked alongside De Marchi for a year before taking the reigns, ensuring that Isole e Olena's philosophy remains rooted in authenticity, environmental stewardship, and excellence. Under his guidance, a vineyard replanting programme is underway, along with plans for a new underground winery in the hamlet of Isole. For the global wine trade and consumers alike, there may be no better emblem of Chianti Classico's revival than Isole e Olena.

Q&A: Emanuele Reolon, estate director, Isole e Olena



How are you balancing authenticity withevolving consumer tastes, particularly in export markets like the UK?

At Isole e Olena, we've always believed that authenticity is our greatest strength. Our Chianti Classico reflects the unique terroir of our vineyards and the heritage of Sangiovese, which we continue to champion as the soul of the denomination. In the UK there's a growing appreciation for elegance, drinkability, and transparency in winemaking. I think this is a great opportunity for our wines, which have always had these characteristics.

With growing interest in sustainable and organic viticulture, how is Isole e Olena
approaching environmental responsibility?

At Isole e Olena, respect for the environment - and above all, for maintaining a proper balance between vineyard and territory - has always been central to the decisions we make. Treatments are carried out only when truly necessary, always based on a careful study of weather conditions, vegetative growth, and the development stages of diseases. But it is not only treatments that define our winery's commitment to environmental care. Our decision to revive the tradition of terracing is certainly a crucial step toward respecting the land, as it reduces the impact of mechanisation and soil erosion.

Finally - How do you differentiate your brand amid increasing competition from both within Italy and abroad?

We've never chased trends - our wines are made to speak of place, vintage and time, not fashion. In a crowded landscape, that clarity of purpose becomes our strongest asset. Consistency, integrity, and a deep connection to our land are what define Isolee Olena. As global interest grows, our role is to remain a benchmark - not through volume or marketing - but through authenticity and the quiet confidence of quality.