Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2019

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

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.

Winemaking

The clusters were hand-picked into small 15 kg boxes in the early morning hours and immediately chilled on arrival at the cellar in order to fully preserve their aromatic compounds. After a meticulous quality selection, the whole clusters were given a very slow, gradual pressing, while great care was exercised to prevent oxidation of the fruit. After gravity settling of some 12 hours, the separate lots of must were put to barriques, 25% of which new and 25% used, in steel tanks and in concrete vats (50%). Fermentation temperatures did not exceed 22°C, and the wine did not go through malolactic fermentation. The wine matured on the fine lees for 6 months, with regular bâtonnage throughout the period, followed by the assemblage of the final blend. After a light fining, it rested an additional 12 months in the bottle before release.

Vintage Information

More than most vintages, the year 2019 was characterised by a highly variable climate, which alternated periods of cold and rain with long bouts of drought and heat.
After a rather normal winter, budding took place in the first week of April. Cold and rainy conditions throughout April and May considerably slowed down development of the vegetation, delaying flowering to 10 days late compared to the norm. In June, the climate suddenly turned hot and dry, with peak temperatures of 37°C reached at the end of the month. All summer long the weather remained hot and sunny, with temperatures 2°C higher than average and 45 consecutive days without rain. In the last week of July, the long period of drought was interrupted by two days of rain, thus readjusting the temperature to the seasonal norm, with ideal conditions for grape ripening.
The harvest of Sauvignon Blanc started on August 19th and continued until the first days of September. Viognier grapes were harvested in late August, while the late ripening varieties Vermentino and Verdicchio fully ripened in mid-September.

Tasting Note

“The result of a rather late harvest and therefore favourable to the aromatic expression of white wines, Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2019 has a bright straw yellow colour with green reflections. On the nose it releases intense notes of citrus and exotic fruit accompanied by scents of mowed grass and asparagus. On the palate it is full-bodied and vibrant, characterised by a vibrant acidity and a mineral and lingering finish.”
Olga Fusari – Winemaker

Press

“The 2019 Poggio alle Gazze is bright and beautifully sculpted in this vintage. Lemon peel, white flowers, apple and exotic floral notes are nicely delineated. This is an especially perfumed edition of Poggio alle Gazze. Lime, green apple and exotic floral notes lead into the super-expressive finish.”

92 Points – Antonio Galloni

Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
78% Sauvignon Blanc,
16% Vermentino,
6% Verdicchio

Natural Cork
13%

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