Your Ornellaia Questions Answered

Ornellaia is one of Italy's most prestigious and iconic wineries, producing wines that are celebrated worldwide. Below, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about Ornellaia.

 

What Kind of Wine is Ornellaia?

Ornellaia is a Bordeaux-style blend, primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This blend results in a rich, full-bodied wine with complex flavours and a robust structure. The flagship wine, Ornellaia, is known for its elegance, depth, and ageing potential, making it a favourite among collectors and connoisseurs. The estate also produces other notable wines, including Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia, a second wine with similar characteristics to the flagship wine but designed for earlier drinking.

 

Is Ornellaia a Super Tuscan?

Yes, Ornellaia is classified as a Super Tuscan. The term "Super Tuscan" refers to a category of high-quality wines from Tuscany that do not adhere to the traditional DOC or DOCG regulations. Super Tuscans often incorporate international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, rather than sticking strictly to indigenous varieties such as Sangiovese. Ornellaia's innovative use of Bordeaux grape varieties and its exceptional quality have cemented its status as one of the most esteemed Super Tuscans.

 

What Does Ornellaia Mean in Italian?

The name "Ornellaia" is derived from "Ornella," which is believed to be a reference to the small hill or knoll where the vineyards are located. In Italian, the suffix "-aia" is often used to denote a place associated with cultivation or agriculture. Thus, "Ornellaia" can be loosely translated to mean "the place of Ornella," reflecting its connection to the land and its agricultural roots.

 

Where is Ornellaia Wine Made?

Ornellaia wine is produced in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, Italy. Bolgheri is located on the Tuscan coast, near the Tyrrhenian Sea. This region is renowned for its unique terroir, which combines a Mediterranean climate, well-drained soils, and cooling sea breezes. These conditions are ideal for growing Bordeaux grape varieties, contributing to the distinct character and quality of Ornellaia wines.

 

Who is the Owner of Ornellaia?

Ornellaia is owned by the Frescobaldi family, one of Italy's oldest and most respected wine-producing families. The Frescobaldis acquired the estate in 2005, adding Ornellaia to their portfolio of prestigious wineries. The family's long history in winemaking, combined with their commitment to quality and innovation, has helped maintain Ornellaia's reputation as one of Italy's leading wineries.

 

How Do You Pronounce Ornellaia?

Ornellaia is pronounced as "Or-nel-LIE-ah." The emphasis is on the second syllable, with a clear and open "a" sound at the end. This pronunciation reflects the Italian origin of the name and is important to know when discussing or ordering this esteemed wine.

 

See all available wines and vintages of Ornellaia.

 

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