Ornellaia

Ornellaia is a prestigious Italian winery located in the Tuscany region, renowned for producing high-quality red wines. Situated in the Bolgheri area, Ornellaia is celebrated for its Bordeaux-style blends, which have gained international acclaim.

History

Ornellaia was established in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori, a member of the prominent Antinori family, which has been involved in winemaking for centuries. The estate was founded with the vision of creating a world-class wine that could rival the best from Bordeaux. The first vintage was released in 1985, and it quickly garnered attention for its quality and elegance.

In 2002, the estate was acquired by the Frescobaldi family, another historic name in Italian winemaking. Under their stewardship, Ornellaia has continued to thrive, maintaining its reputation for excellence.

Vineyards

The Ornellaia estate covers approximately 91 hectares of vineyards, planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The vineyards benefit from the unique microclimate of the Bolgheri region, which is influenced by the nearby Mediterranean Sea. This climate, combined with the diverse soil types, contributes to the complexity and depth of the wines produced.

Wines

Ornellaia produces several wines, with the flagship being the eponymous Ornellaia, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This wine is known for its rich, full-bodied character and aging potential.

Another notable wine from the estate is Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia, a second wine that offers a more approachable style while still reflecting the quality of the estate. Ornellaia also produces a white wine, Poggio alle Gazze, made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc.

A bottle of Ornellaia wine

Winemaking Philosophy

The winemaking philosophy at Ornellaia emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, from the vineyard to the cellar. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, and the wines are aged in French oak barrels to enhance their complexity and structure.

Recognition

Ornellaia has received numerous accolades from wine critics and publications around the world. It is consistently ranked among the top wines from Italy and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Related pages

• Super Tuscan
• Bolgheri
• Antinori
• Frescobaldi