Winemaker
Paolo De Marchi
- Discipline
- Winemaker
- Based in
- Barberino Tavarnelle, Italy
i. Biography
His defining specialty is Sangiovese, the grape he named as central to his work after decades at the estate. In Paolo De Marchi’s hands, the variety is not just a varietal claim on a label; it is the working standard behind the wines at Isole e Olena in Tuscany, Chianti Classico hills, and the measure by which that estate’s output has long been read.
The Path
Paolo De Marchi trained at University of Turin, then built his career at Isole e Olena in Tuscany, Chianti Classico hills. From 1976–2022, he served as estate manager and winemaker, and that continuity matters in a trade that often changes hands more quickly than its vineyards. Over those years, the estate’s identity was shaped under one set of eyes, with De Marchi holding the line on style and direction. He then moved into the role of CEO at Isole e Olena in Tuscany, Chianti Classico hills, serving from 2022–2023 and carrying that long stewardship into a different form of oversight. The move from cellar work to executive responsibility did not mark a change in method so much as a change in position: the same discipline, now applied from above.
The Work Today
Today, De Marchi’s name remains tied to a single-minded reading of Sangiovese and to the habit of judging the wine by what the vineyard can actually give. That kind of focus is built over years, and it shows in work that privileges clarity over effect. The result is a style formed by repetition, observation, and a long memory for what the site will and will not do.
Signature
Paolo's signature wines include Cepparello, Chianti Classico, and Vin Santo. Read together, they show the range of his approach: Cepparello as a concentrated statement, Chianti Classico as the regional baseline, and Vin Santo as a wine shaped by time and patience. In each case, the emphasis stays on precision, restraint, and the grape’s own character.
In Their Words “I had a vision, I knew where I wanted to go and passion and vision are the powers that move the world.” “My top priority was to understand Sangiovese!”
Acclaim
De Marchi has put the force behind that line plainly: "I had a vision, I knew where I wanted to go and passion and vision are the powers that move the world." It is a statement that captures the shape of his professional manner: direct, disciplined, and built around the idea that good wine comes from clear intent and sustained attention over time.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Paolo
What is Paolo De Marchi's current role?
As of 2026, Paolo De Marchi is Consultant Oenologist.
Where did Paolo De Marchi train or study?
Paolo De Marchi trained at University of Turin.
What is Paolo De Marchi known for?
Sangiovese.
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