Ornus dell’Ornellaia 2022
Vintage
2022
Region
Bolgheri, Tuscany
Country
Italy
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Petit Manseng
ABV
14%
Dietary
Vegan, Vegetarian
Sustainability
Sustainable Certification
Ornellaia
Ornellaia is one of Bolgheri’s most important fine wine estates, established in 1981 on the Tuscan coast in Italy. Known for Ornellaia wine, Le Serre Nuove, Le Volte, Poggio alle Gazze and Ornellaia Bianco, the estate produces still red and white wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and selected white varieties. Ornellaia represents one of Italy’s most recognised premium wine names.
Read MoreViticulture
The Ornellaia estate lies in the foothills facing the Mediterranean coast near Bolgheri. Its hillside vineyards benefit from maritime breezes during summer, encouraging slow grape ripening and freshness, while the hills protect the vines from cold northern winds in winter. The soils, of marine and alluvial origin, form a varied mosaic of more than 70 plots, classified by soil type, exposure and variety. Average vine age is around 20 years for red varieties and 13 years for whites, with vineyard work carried out largely by hand.
Vinification
Each lot was pressed and fermented separately. After lengthy, gentle pressing and natural overnight decanting, the lots were fermented in 100% new oak barriques at temperatures not exceeding 22?C. Fermentation was stopped once the desired sugar and alcohol levels had been reached, preserving the wine?s natural sweetness and balance. Malolactic fermentation did not take place. After racking, the wines aged for 12 months before blending. After bottling, Ornus dell?Ornellaia aged for a further year before release.
2022
The 2022 vintage in Bolgheri began with a typical winter and a cool, dry start to spring, delaying budbreak. From May onwards, a dry spell of around 75 days created significant water stress during growth, flowering and veraison, resulting in low yields. Summer storm rainfall helped restore vine activity and enabled ripening to continue. September was ideal for accumulating sugar, aromas and tannins, supported by cool nights. Harvest conditions allowed precise picking dates for each vineyard and variety.
Tasting Note
Ornus dell’Ornellaia 2022 has a stylish golden colour. The nose is highly complex, with acacia honey, peach, quince jam and caramel. The palate is creamy and opulent, balancing residual sweetness with fresh acidity and savoury detail. Full-bodied and richly textured, it remains precise rather than heavy. The finish is long, fresh and distinctive, showing the potential of Petit Manseng in Bolgheri’s mild, breezy autumn conditions.
Food Pairing
Pair with blue cheese, foie gras, tarte Tatin, almond tart, poached pear, aged Comte, panna cotta or honey-led desserts.
