Isole e Olena

Paolo de Marchi‘s father bought this property in the 1950’s and Paolo grew up here. At that time the property was an example of the medieval economy called mezzadria or sharecropping system. 120 people lived on this estate. The cultivation was promiscua i.e. a mixed agriculture where everything grew together, olive trees, grain and vines. There was a competition among the crops where all produced little but of grande qualita, it was beautiful and had balance. The production was autosufficiente and autoconsumo - self-sufficient and self-consumed. Nothing was bought and nothing was sold.

Today, many things have changed. Paolo produces 100% sangiovese Cepparello, Chianti Classico, Cabernet.,Syrah and Vin Santo. With the help of his two assistants and no enologist they make their wines believing that the wine makes itself. The vineyard not the winemaker is the star.

Chianti Classico
Cepparello which is 100% sangiovese.
Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione De Marchi
Chardonnay Collezione De Marchi
Syrah
Vin Santo
Excellent Isole e Olena Extra-Virgin Olive Oil made predominately with Frantoio olives however, Moraiolo, Pendolino, Leccino and Morchiaio may be added.

Antiche Fattoria Isole e Olena
Via Olena, 15, Localitá Isole
50021 Barberino Val d’Elsa (FI)
p.+(055)-80-72-763
f.+(055)-80-72-236
isolena@tin.it

Proprietors:Paolo and Marta de Marchi
Office Manager: Marta de Marchi, Francesca Cortigiani, Luisa Saccone
Winery Guide: Madeleine Maurer speaks French, English, German and Italian
Winemaker: Paolo DeMarchi and Donato Lanati
Founded: 1971
Paolo and his wife Marta are very hospitable hosts and both speak English. They have a relatively new underground wine cellar that is state-of-the-art and a comfortable tasting room to try their wines.

Directions: Take the superstrada in the direction of Firenze. Exit at San Donato, pass San Donato in the direction of Castellina in Chianti. About 3-4 km passed San Donato take a right (signs for Monsanto and Olena) after 1 km at a division keep left and climb the hill, then downhill, and you will see a little chapel to the right and the entrance to the estate on your left.