Isole e Olena

Origins\nThe earliest written record of the village of Isole dates from the 12th century, when winegrowing was just beginning in the region. Both the Isole and Olena estates have histories stretching back hundreds of years.\n\n### 1950s: Founding of the estate\nIsole e Olena was established in the 1950s, when the neighbouring estates of Isole and Olena were bought and brought together by the aristocratic De Marchi family. After acquiring the properties, the new owners planted vineyards and expanded the cellars.\n\n### 1976 onward: Paolo De Marchi takes charge\nThe estate has been managed since 1976 by Paolo De Marchi, a fourth-generation winemaker. Paolo studied oenology at the University of Turin and spent six months training in California, studying the development of its wine culture. In the early 1980s he worked at the Experimental Institute of Oenology in Asti, Piedmont.\n\nDe Marchi set out to raise the estate's standards and make it one of the leading wineries in Chianti. Under his direction, the cellars were modernised and new vineyard plots were planted. The estate also continues to experiment with grape varieties and clones to find those best suited to each site.\n\nBy gradually reducing the proportion of white grapes in Chianti Classico, Paolo was able to make a full-bodied wine with good ageing potential instead of the traditionally light, young and tart style of Chianti. His experiments with Sangiovese led to the creation of the Super Tuscan Cepparello in 1980.\n\n### 2003: New winery\nA new winery was built on the estate, designed to a high technical and architectural standard.\n\n### Expansion to Piedmont\nPaolo De Marchi now also runs the family's historic Proprieta Sperino property in Piedmont, with the help of his eldest son, Luca.