“Cepparello” Toscana IGT 2021 · METHUSALEM 6 liters in OWC

Isole e Olena | Tuscany
Isole e Olena S.r.l. | Loc. Isole 1 | IT 50021 Barberino Val d'Elsa

09463421 · 6 l · 233,17 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping1 unit available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

A farewell and a new beginning at the same time. Cepparello 2021 marks Paolo De Marchi's final vintage as master of his life's work before the winery was transferred to the French EPI Group. After more than four decades of tireless work, the maestro from Piedmont completed his testament with this wine – a Sangiovese of paradoxical brilliance that retains an astonishing freshness and elegance despite its powerful fifteen per cent alcohol. The name Cepparello, which originates from the small stream at the highest point of the vineyards, has carried the revolutionary vision of one hundred per cent Sangiovese since 1980. What began as a rebellion against the Chianti Classico regulations – the absurd rule of adding white grapes – developed into an icon of pure Sangiovese expression.

The grapes for the 2021 vintage come from the estate's best and oldest vineyards, where vines between thirteen and fifty-five years old thrive on the characteristic Galestro soils between 400 and 480 metres above sea level. The south-westerly exposure benefits from the cooling sea breezes, which lend the western flank of the Chianti Classico that special elegance and intensity of flavour. 18 months in French barriques, a third of which are new, create a wine of impressive complexity.

Intense ruby red with violet reflections. The bouquet unfolds a fascinating kaleidoscope: violets and roses interweave with aromas of sour cherries, blackberries and raspberries, interspersed with sweet spices, coffee notes and subtle undergrowth nuances. The true class is revealed on the palate: despite its power, the wine remains taut and fresh, carried by a lively acidity and velvety tannins that lend structure and length to the ripe fruitiness. A Sangiovese of rare purity – paolo De Marchi's legacy to a new era. SUPERIORE.DE

"Starts with a lot of esprit on warm-scented berry and flower flavours; complex attack, the acidity and the fine-grained tannins in perfect balance, salty-mineral nuances, the final opulent and yet full of elegance. Should be left for a few more years." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour of medium density. Finely characterised nose, with notes of raspberry and dark cherries, plus some eucalyptus. Juicy from the beginning to the end, shows plump cherry fruit, some blackberry, present tannin in many fine layers, pomegranate on the final." Falstaff

"Despite its medium-weight structure, the Cepparello 2021 is a restrained, tight-knit wine. Today, the 2021 still seems quite nervous and lean, even for a young Cepparello. It will be interesting to see how it develops with a little more time in the bottle. I really like the energy of this wine." Vinous

"The Cepparello 2021 is Paolo De Marchi's farewell vintage - and he has bowed out on a high note. Lively and vertical, tangy and bright, it presents a complexity of fresh, sour and dried cherries with some peppery spice. This more balanced, fresh and balanced direction is becoming a hallmark of the region's best wines, and Paolo has proven - just as he did in the years after he took over his father's winery in 1976 - that he is still at the top." Decanter

"Plum, cherry and pomegranate fruit are framed by toasted oak and mineral flavours in this lively and juicy red wine that offers plenty of energy, with elements of tar and oak on the lingering finish. It shows good balance, with the dense tannins leaving room for the fruit at the end. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"The Isole e Olena 2021 Cepparello, one of Tuscany's flagship wines, immediately offers ripe fruit flavours that are firm, even crisp, which bodes well for the future development of this classic vintage. The wine is packed with tart fruit flavours, followed by balanced acidity. Compared to previous vintages, which are more extracted and dense, this vintage is delightfully bright and transparent. I appreciate the age-worthy path Cepparello is taking." Wine Advocate

"In this vintage, the Cepparello shows very restrained notes of red cherries, dried violets and plenty of stony minerality. There is a fleshy and spicy character in the depths. Overall very precise and integrated. The palate is dominated by velvety tannins that have a chalky, even dusty texture, with a full body, amazing concentration and very refreshing acidity. The finish is bright and focused on cherry stones. A good wine for longer ageing. Possibly one of the best Cepparello ever." James Suckling