Denise Cosentino, the winemaker at Ornellaia, recently led a vertical tasting of the renowned Bolgheri wine, showcasing the estate’s distinctive offerings. Located along the Tuscan coast, Bolgheri is notable for its 8200 hectares of vines, with Ornellaia nestled within mineral-rich hills featuring deep clay soils, transitioning to sandy soils closer to the coast.
Despite being a relatively new wine region, Bolgheri has roots dating back to the 17th century. However, it wasn’t until 1942 when Mario Incisa della Rocchetta decided to cultivate Bordeaux-style wines, leading to the planting of the first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1944. Ornellaia itself started planting vines in 1982 under Lodovico Antinori, with the first vintage released in 1990. The estate saw various ownership changes, including a partnership with the Mondavi family in the 1990s and later acquisition by Frescobaldi in 2005.
Currently, Ornellaia encompasses 121 hectares dedicated to red varieties, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, alongside 13 hectares of white varietals. The estate manages its vineyards across four primary blocks, each with distinct soil profiles that influence the wines produced.
During the tasting, several notable vintages were presented:
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Ornellaia Bianco 2022: A 100% Sauvignon Blanc from pebbly clay soils, showcasing fresh lemon and smoky grapefruit with subtle oak influence. Rated 92/100.
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Ornellaia 2023: Composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage showed rich blackcurrant and cherry flavors, with a touch of spicy oak and intense structure. Rated 95/100.
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Ornellaia 2018: With a blend of 51% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage displayed beautifully nuanced gravelly fruit, complexity, and a lingering finish. Rated 94/100.
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Ornellaia 2013: A blend showcasing focused and firm flavors with dried herbs and a minty finish. Rated 94/100.
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Ornellaia 2008: A more typical vintage with a sleek and ripe profile, showing a harmonious balance of sweet cherry and blackcurrant fruit. Rated 96/100.
The wines from Ornellaia exemplify the extraordinary terroir of Bolgheri, illustrating the region’s potential for producing exceptional wines with character and depth. For further information about the estate and its offerings, visit Ornellaia’s website.