Wine Spectator: EPI Group Buys Chianti Classico’s Isole e Olena

EPI Group, an investment and luxury goods company owned and managed by Christopher Descours, has acquired Chianti Classico estate Isole e Olena. Under the direction of Paolo De Marchi since the 1970s, Isole e Olena, located in San Donato in Poggio, is one of Chianti Classico’s finest estates and has contributed to the region’s success. The purchase price was not disclosed.

The sale confirms EPI’s commitment to building a strong portfolio of Italian estates. In 2016, it acquired a majority stake in Montalcino’s Biondi Santi winery, a move considered controversial by the local community at the time.

“It has been a long negotiation with Paolo—it took two and a half years,” said Giampiero Bertolini, CEO of Biondi Santi, who will also become CEO of Isole e Olena. De Marchi will remain as winemaker, at least for the next two harvests. “We wanted to be in Chianti Classico,” added Bertolini. “It’s doing very well and now we will have Brunello, Chianti Classico, and a super Tuscan. It’s a strategic move and we’re very happy.” Wine Spectator has the full story.—Bruce Sanderson

Tagged : EPI Group, Isole e Olena, Wine Spectator

GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT 2025 ESTIMATES AND 2030 PROJECTIONS FOR THE WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRIES. ORDER YOUR 2025 IMPACT DATABANK REPORTS. CLICK HERE.