After Biondi Santi, EPI acquires Isole and Olena

Following the acquisition of Biondi Santi in Montalcino in 2017, EPI-an independent family group owned and managed by Christofer Descours-strengthens its presence in Italy with another historic Tuscan estate, an icon of Chianti Classico.

The group acquired the Isole e Olena estate from Paolo De Marchi and family. It is excluded from the acquisition by Piedmontese property in Lessona.

Paolo De Marchi, President and Oenologist of Isole e Olena, says, "After dedicating much of my life to Isole e Olena, I am delighted to see my estate in the hands of a Group that shares the values to which I am personally very attached: the transmission of know-how, the enhancement of terroir and the pursuit of excellence. I will actively contribute to this exciting new chapter of Islands and Olena to ensure a smooth and smooth transition. This operation does not affect my family property in Lessona (Alto Piemonte), managed by my son Luca, who will now benefit more from my support and experience."

"The acquisition of the iconic Isole e Olena estate represents an important moment for us as we continue the development of our presence in Italy following the acquisition of Biondi-Santi. It is a privilege to continue the extraordinary work that Paolo De Marchi has done over more than four decades at Isole e Olena and for the Chianti Classico appellation," said Damien Lafaurie, CEO of EPI Wine & Champagne. - We deeply believe in the growth potential of the best Italian wines in major international markets and we are determined to continue to invest in the quality of our wines, our brands and our distribution networks so that they are recognized among the best wines in the world."

Giampiero Bertolini, currently managing director of Biondi Santi, will assume direct operational responsibility for Isole and Olena as managing director, handling both properties. Paolo De Marchi will retain his role as winemaker. "Biondi-Santi and Isole and Olena share many values, first and foremost a long dedication to Sangiovese and their respective appellations. - is Bertolini's summation - Both estates have a renowned history and a propensity for pioneering viticulture; I look forward to working side-by-side with Paolo to explore together how to bring the great heritage of Isole and Olena into the future, both in the Chianti Classico and Supertuscan segments.

EPI was assisted by Crédit Agricole CIB and LCA Studio Legale. The shareholders of Isole & Olena were assisted by Kon Group and Pavia and Ansaldo Studio Legale.

About EPI

EPI is an investment company owned and managed by Christofer Descours. EPI Group acts as a shareholder, engaging with the companies it selects, supporting them in developing their operations and mastering their know-how. Its value-creation strategy is based on several business divisions: Fashion and Luxury (Bonpoint, J.M. Weston) led by Valérie Hermann; Wines and Champagne with world-class maisons (Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck, Biondi-Santi, etc.) led by Damien Lafaurie; and Financial Investments, including real estate, led by Franck Hagège. The Group's teams are driven by passion and a common ambition to realize the full potential of the projects and talents it brings together.

About Isole e Olena

Isole e Olena is an historic Chianti Classico estate, located in the western part of the appellation, in San Donato in Poggio; it has 56 hectares of vineyards at 300 to 500 meters above sea level.  Isole e Olena was founded in 1956, when Francesco De Marchi, a lawyer from Piedmont, bought the Tuscan hamlet, which consisted of several farms managed by sharecroppers. It was in the mid-1970s, under the leadership of the "visionary" Paolo De Marchi, Francesco's son, that the estate began the production "of wines of the highest quality" for which it is still renowned today. The very first vintage of Isole e Olena made by Paolo De Marchi was in 1978.

The estate is renowned for being part of the select group of wineries that led to the recognition of Chianti Classico as an area producing high quality wines in the 1970s and 1980s. It is respected for being able to enhance the authentic style of Chianti Classico, thanks to its perfumed and well-balanced wines with hints of fresh fruit, very representative of the high-altitude territory in which it is located. In addition to Chianti Classico and Cepparello, the winery produces monovarietal wines, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and the award-winning Vin Santo.

In 1980 "Cepparello," a barrique-aged Sangiovese from old vines, was first bottled. This wine has become the emblem of Isole and Olena and a cornerstone of the area's Supertuscans, showcasing the character and longevity of pure Sangiovese in Chianti Classico. Cepparello owes its name to a stream that runs alongside the vineyard.

Translated with https://www.deepl.com/translator

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