La Determinazione, the one-word theme encapsulating the mission behind the 2022 vintage of Ornellaia, reflects both a clear vision from the winemaking team and the resilience of the vineyards amidst challenging weather conditions. Lamberto Frescobaldi introduced this new vintage at Ornellaia’s Bolgheri winery, emphasizing the fortitude shown by the grapes in an unusually dry season.
This year saw prolonged drought, with a dry spring giving way to a 75-day dry spell starting in May. This challenging weather resulted in a smaller yield, about 15% below average, but timely rains in August allowed the ripening process to resume. The harvest commenced on August 25 with Merlot grapes, and favorable conditions continued into September, leading to the completion of the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest by October 10.
The characteristics of the vintage were evident in its structure, with small berries contributing to a high skin-to-juice ratio, resulting in a wine with 14.5% ABV and a promising acidity. The winemaking process involved careful extraction to optimize quality, even as oversight transitioned from Axel Heinz, the previous winemaker, to Marco Balsimelli, who took on the role in 2024.
The blend for 2022 consists of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and a slightly elevated proportion of Petit Verdot, offering brightness to the wine’s nose. This vintage is expected to portray a contemporary style compared to previous years, with a focus on freshness and elegance rather than opulence.
Comparative analyses with the 2017 vintage, which faced similarly extreme heat and drought, reveal notable differences. Both vintages reflect the estate’s evolving winemaking strategies, with the 2022 vintage demonstrating a blending approach that retains the essence of each grape while adapting to changing climate conditions.
In the vineyard, various innovations and different planting strategies aim to optimize the terroir’s expression. These adaptations include reduced vine density and specific attention to irrigation practices, which are utilized cautiously to mitigate stress on the vines without altering their natural resilience. Future replanting efforts will further emphasize Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, optimizing for the climate’s demands.
Overall, Frescobaldi notes a shift towards producing wines that are more reflective of their vintage characteristics while maintaining an unbroken quality across the years. The 2022 Ornellaia vintage is a testament to this approach, showcasing both the challenges and triumphs of modern winemaking in Bolgheri.
The wine’s tasting notes describe it as layered with exotic fruit aromas and rich, vibrant flavors supported by a firm tannic structure, presenting an interesting profile poised for aging. The auctioning of limited artistic bottles for charity in connection to the Vendemmia d’Artista further emphasizes Ornellaia’s commitment to both quality and philanthropy.