|
|
The investor group EPI, based in Paris, takes over the Chianti Classico winery Isole e Olena from Paolo De Marchi. The estate is one of the most renowned wineries in Tuscany and has been known above all for its Supertuscan Cepparello since the 1980s. Isole e Olena was acquired by the De Marchi family in 1956. Since 1976, Paolo, who grew up in Piedmont, was responsible for the now 56 hectares of vineyards and led the winery to the top of the appellation. The contract was signed by Christofer Descours, president of the EPI group, and Paolo De Marchi in Milan, nothing was disclosed about the purchase price. Paolo De Marchi is to continue to take care of the wines of Isole e Olena and to support the new CEO Giampiero Bertolini in an advisory capacity. Moreover, Paolo De Marchi, together with his son Luca, wants to increasingly take care of the other wine estate of the family, the Proprietà Sperino in Lessona (Alto Piemonte).
Paolo De Marchi told the editorial staff of wein.plus about the sale: "I am now 71 years old and for twenty years I have tried to arrange my succession. Unfortunately, it was not possible to pass on the winery within the family. My life's work should go into good hands, that was the most important thing for me and therefore I am very happy with the buyers. All my employees will continue to work for Isole e Olena in the future. And I myself will continue to be responsible for the wines as oenologist in the next few years, thus ensuring a smooth handover."
The EPI group includes, among others, the Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck champagne houses as well as the Biondi Santi Brunello wine estate since 2017.
(ru / Source: Press release/Paolo De Marchi; Photo: ru)