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.
Upon arrival at the winery, each lot was pressed and fermented separately. After lengthy, gentle pressing and natural decanting over one night, the various lots were fermented in 100% new oak barriques at temperatures of no more than 22°C. Upon reaching the desired sugar and alcohol levels, the fermentation was stopped. Malolactic fermentation did not take place. After racking, the wines were aged for 12 months, after which the various lots were blended. After bottling, the wine was aged for another year prior to release.
More than most vintages, 2019 was characterized by a highly variable climate, which alternated periods of cold and rain with long bouts of drought and heat. After a normal winter, the budding took place in the first week of April. The cold and rainy conditions throughout April and May significantly slowed down the vegetative vine growth, leading to a 10-day delay in flowering compared to the average. Very hot, rainless weather suddenly arrived in June, reaching temperature peaks of 37°C at the end of the month. The weather stayed warm and sunny throughout the summer with temperatures 2°C above average and 45 consecutive days without rain. The long dry period was interrupted by two days of rain in the last week of July, bringing the temperature back to the seasonal norm, with ideal conditions for ripening. The harvest of the Petit Manseng grapes began in mid-October and lasted throughout the month in three different steps, each time selecting only the correctly withered parts of the bunch.
“Ornus dell’Ornellaia was inspired by passion for our lands and by the desire to explore its potential in producing great sweet wines, favoured by the typically mild and particularly breezy autumn in Bolgheri. Ornus dell’Ornellaia 2019 has its classic bright golden-yellow colour, with an intense and particularly complex nose, discovering new aromas upon every foray into the glass. Citrus notes of orange peel accompany the typical aromas of dried apricot and amaretto. Slight notes of cinnamon and vanilla complete the bouquet. When tasted, the wine shows a great balance between sweetness and acidity, with a vibrant and persistent finish lacking any heaviness.”
Olga Fusari – Winemaker
Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
100% Petit Manseng
Natural Cork
13.5%
113 g/l
