Ornellaia Winery Guide
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Last updated: November 25, 2023
Winery Overview
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Winery was founded in 1981 in what has proved to be one of Italy’s most exciting and expressive wine-making areas, the maritime hills of Bolgheri within the greater wine region of Maremma. Maremma is an extremely interesting sub-region of Tuscany for food and wine lovers to visit. Although it was considered unfit for vineyards for centuries, this coastal area has become one of Italy’s most ultra-exclusive wine-producing regions in the past few decades. Ornellaia’s 97-hectare estate stretches out along the Tyrrhenian Sea, just north of the Maremma between Leghorn and the Island of Elba, and is the birthplace of the now-iconic wines Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia, Masseto, and Le Volte.
Founded in 1981 by Marchese Lodovico Antinori, brother of the powerful and esteemed Piero Antinori, Ornellaia is not one of Tuscany’s most historic wineries but has become one of its most respected. Its success is due to its staunch commitment to “quality without compromise” philosophy and the unique climate and terrain here. While in some ways similar to Bordeaux’s, the estate’s terroir is truly something special; ever-changing and composite, it includes marine, alluvial, and volcanic soils, allowing each grape variety to be planted in its ideal type of soil. Ornellaia enjoys famous neighbors such as Sassicaia, one of the most legendary Tuscan estates. Sassicaia is owned (not coincidentally) by Antinori’s uncle, who made the first Super Tuscan and began today’s trend.
The estate’s signature wine, Ornellaia Bolgheri DOC Superiore, a Cabernet-Merlot blend, first stepped onto the scene in 1985. It’s been a collector’s favorite ever since, with all bottles sold before the wine was made. Less expensive and exclusive, although also intriguing and complex, are wines like Le Volte (a Sangiovese-Cabernet-Sauvignon blend).
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia occupies two estates in Tuscany’s low, hilly coastal region. The original property, which Antinori inherited, is home to a stylish, clean-lined winery and 30 hectares of vineyards. Nearby is the second estate, Bellaria, with 46 hectares. Lodovico Antinori is no longer involved with the winery he founded; in 2002, the Mondavi Winery of California acquired full ownership, and in 2005, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi took over. Today, a young and enthusiastic team manages operations.
Wines produced
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Ornellaia Bolgheri DOC Superiore
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot; aged 18 months in barriques. -
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri DOC Rosso
35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5%Petit Verdot; aged 17 months in barriques. -
Le Volte
50% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot; aged 10 months in 2-4-year-old barriques. -
Masseto IGT Toscana
100% Merlot; aged in French oak barriques for 24 months.
Winery Contact Details
Ornellaia
Via Bolgherese 19157020 Bolgheri
Italy
Email: [email protected]
Tel +39 0565 71811
Fax +39 0565 718230 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Bolgheri
Founded
1981
Area under Vine
76 hectares
Age of vines
8-15 years old
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
Axel Heinz
Owner
Tenute di Toscana
Production
140,000 bottles
Grape varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon (37 ha), Cabernet Franc (12 ha), Merlot (38 ha) and Petit Verdot (10 ha)
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.
Find out more -
Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
Find out more -
Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
Find out more -
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a full-bodied red wine grape varietal used in classic Bordeaux blends and originates in southwestern France
Find out more
Winery Appellations
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Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Tignanello; these mythical wines are known as 'Super Tuscans' and they come from the beautiful coastal Maremma region. Read more
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
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