Cepparello is one of Italy's most iconic wines and a reflection of Paolo De Marchi's career.  1980 was the first vintage produced, but it started in the vineyard in the early 70's.  The common misunderstanding that Sangiovese needed to be blended with Bordeaux varieties to be great puzzled Paolo, he said "The problem isn't with Sangiovese; it's with us, we don't know how to farm it."  From there he started a 20 year journey of clonal selection and viniculture that ended with what today is considered the baseline for producing great Sangiovese in the Chianti Classico region.  Today Cepparello, named after a small seasonal stream among the vineyards, is a selection of the estates best fruit.  Soils primarily Galestro, vineyards orientated Southwest and are 400 meters above sea-level.

Paolo believes that vintage is part of terrior and wines of origin reflect the vintage.  In warm and rich vintages like 2007 Cepparello takes on incredibly lush fruit and broad character.  In more classic vintages like 2006 it takes on more savory and floral qualities.