Since its inception, Ornellaia’s production has been influenced and inspired by the Mediterranean character of the coast near Bolgheri. Founded in 1981, Ornellaia has helped establishing this relatively young viticultural area and it is now regarded as one of the world’s most iconic estates.
Nestled in the foothills near Bolgheri, Ornellaia lies just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. During the summer months, the cool sea breeze caresses the vineyards and nearby olive groves, while during the winter the hills provide protection from the cold north winds. Ornellaia believes that a wine should be the most authentic expression of the terroir from which it originates. The 115ha of vineyards benefit from a unique combination of maritime climate and a complex mosaic of marine, alluvial and volcanic soils – creating a distinct environment where red and white varieties can best express themselves.
The grapes were hand-harvested in 15 kg crates in the early hours of the morning and immediately cooled on arrival in the cellar to keep all their aromatic potential intact. Following careful selection, the whole grape clusters were subjected to slow and soft pressing with maximum attention paid to protection against oxidation. After static decantation lasting approximately 24 hours, the must was entirely placed in barrels – 25% new and 75% used – to carry out the alcoholic fermentation at temperatures not exceeding 22°C. In addition to 225-litre barriques, 320- and 600-litre tonneaux and cigar-shaped barrels were used. No malolactic fermentation was carried out. The ageing continued for 10 months on the lees with periodic bâtonnage over the entire period and then in steel vats for 2 more months. Before bottling, blending of the various batches was carried out, along with light fining. The wine was then aged in the bottle for a further 6 months before its release to the market.
2021 started with a mild yet rainy winter that enabled the water resources in the soil to be replenished. After a dry March, budbreak occurred in the first fortnight of April. The gradual rise in temperatures and normal rainfall allowed the shoots to develop evenly before flowering in superb conditions towards the end of May. Summer fully arrived in June with temperatures slightly above average and an almost total absence of rain, resulting in veraison in the last week of July. The dry spell continued throughout August and September, but the spring rain and our estate’s deep soils allowed the vines to avoid overly intense water stress, creating the conditions for small, highly concentrated grapes with exceptional potential in terms of quality.
The white grape harvest started on 18 August and ended in the second week of September.
This fine white wine displays a straw yellow hue with golden reflections in the glass. Considerable complexity is conveyed on the nose with notes such as apricots and acacia flowers alongside roasted hazelnuts and spices. This refreshing wine is rich in flavours and aromas and is at once savoury and full-bodied as well as carrying a long aromatic finish.
“This is a dense and focused white but agile and lightly chewy. Very pretty aromas. Full-bodied with tension and framing that gives this wine real precision and intensity. Tight at the end. April 2024 release. Already beautiful but will age wonderfully. Best white ever from here? ”
99 points – James Suckling
“Manages to convey the vivid character of Sauvignon Blanc while keeping a hand on a steadier, more reserved style. Opens with fragrant sage, tomato leaf and citrus, well structured and understated, salted cracker edges to the rich nectarine fruits and savoury peach pit. ”
96 Points – Jane Anson
“Previously a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, the Ornellaia 2021 Ornellaia Bianco is now all Sauvignon Blanc. The estate recently planted Semillon, so it is possible that we will one day see that grape in the blend (especially because it is known to thrive in hot vintages). This wine plays its best cards in terms of texture. It sports broad shoulders and enough texture to support those many creamy citrus and delicately tropical flavors. A dusting of crushed stone adds elegance. The wine should show its best results in five to 10 years from now.”
95 points – Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
“The 2021 Ornellaia Bianco is alluring. I sense a bit more textural richness vis-à-vis prior editions, a positive in my book. White pear, jasmine, sage, mint, white pepper, peach and apricot fill out the layers. Light tropical accents appear with some aeration, adding a tropical flair that is quite attractive. This is impeccably done. ”
95 points – Antonio Galloni
Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
100% Sauvignon Blanc,
Natural Cork
13%
