OrnellaiaProducer from Tuscany, Italy

Ornellaia is one of Italy's most sought-after wines. It has been known for its high quality since its first vintage in 1985. It is one of the five original Super Tuscans. Other famous names include Sassicaia, Masseto, Tignanello, and Solaia. All of these wines have greatly influenced the region.

The History of Ornellaia

In 1981, Marchese Lodovico Antinori founded Tenuta dell Ornellaia in Tuscany's Bolgheri area. At that time, Bolgheri was not well-known for premium wines, apart from Sassicaia. Antinori saw the potential for growing Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

He enlisted the help of expert consultant André Tchelistcheff, who guided the first vintage in 1985. His advice led to the decision to plant Merlot in the region's unique blue clay soils, a choice that would later define the Masseto estate.

Ornellaia gained international acclaim and changed ownership several times, including a partnership with the Mondavi family, before coming under the stewardship of the Frescobaldi family. Throughout its history, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia has consistently produced exceptional wines that embody the essence of Bolgheri, including Ornellaia 2021.

In the early 2000s, Thomas Duroux joined Ornellaia, bringing valuable experience and a new vision. He later became the CEO of Château Palmer in Margaux. After Duroux, Danny Schuster, a respected viticulturist, took over, ensuring the vineyards thrive and continuing Ornellaia's commitment to excellence and sustainability.

For nearly two decades, Axel Heinz played a key role at Ornellaia, leading the estate through a golden era with outstanding vintages like Ornellaia 2019, Ornellaia 2020, and Ornellaia 2021. Heinz helped shape Ornellaia's global reputation. He recently moved to Bordeaux, ending an important chapter in the estate’s history.

Michel Rolland, a prominent wine expert, has also served as a consultant, helping refine Ornellaia's winemaking practices with his extensive knowledge.

The Terroir of Bolgheri

Bolgheri is a charming village along the Tuscan coast known for producing "Super Tuscan" wines, which transformed the Italian wine industry. This movement began in the 1960s and 1970s when innovative winemakers planted Bordeaux grape varieties alongside traditional Sangiovese. The unique climate, influenced by the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea, and diverse soils contributed to wines with exceptional depth and complexity.

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Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore:

Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore is a standout wine from Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. Crafted in Bolgheri, it is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This wine showcases the region's terroir with its rich bouquet of ripe fruits, subtle herbs, and minerality.

Ageing in oak barrels gives it a smooth texture and a long finish. Renowned for its consistency, Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore captures the spirit of Bolgheri’s winemaking.

Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove

Le Serre Nuove is another impressive offering. This wine is primarily made from Merlot, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from younger vineyards. It combines ripe fruit flavors with delicate tannins, making it both approachable and sophisticated.

Ornellaia Le Volte

The le volte dell ornellaia​ features a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a rich and inviting wine full of lively fruit flavors and smooth tannins, embodying the essence of Bolgheri while remaining accessible.

Ornellaia Bianco - a unique and rare gem in the portfolio

Ornellaia Bianco is a unique white wine from this famed estate. Made mainly from Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Viognier, it shows the estate's expertise in crafting exceptional whites. Produced in limited quantities, it offers a refreshing blend of minerality and fruitiness, making it a rare gem for wine lovers.