Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

###History

Ornellaia. This Italian wine needs little introduction. Since the very first vintage in 1985 this estate has been pushing the boundaries of top quality Tuscan wine from the tiny appellation of Bolgheri. Their philosophy is based on excellence and an all-consuming attention to detail. Founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981, the first vineyards were planted in 1982 with the new winery starting its operations in1985. It’s official inauguration took place 4 years later in 1989. The estate continues to flourish under the Frescobaldi family’s ownership.

###Production

Perfectionist levels of care are heaped on the successful harvesting of only the very finest bunches before de-stemming and then a secondary selection process on a double sorting table. The grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that are present in the final blend (along with a little Petit Verdot) are then fermented varietally and by block to produce no less than 66 base wines. Each of these receives 12 months in 70% new French oak before the talented winemaker and estate director Axel Heinz assembles the final blend for a 6 months further ageing in barrique. This is precision winemaking and it goes some way to explaining the recent run of highly successful vintages they have produced. Sustainable viticulture is important to the winery’s production practices and they are registered with the PSR Rural Development Program.