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 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.
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 Sauvignon started to be harvested on 18 August, followed by Viognier and ending with Vermentino in the second week of September.
“Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2021 shows off its usual shade of bright straw yellow; the nose is complex and enticing with an array of citrus, exotic fruit and white floral notes accompanied by freshly cut grass and asparagus. On the palate, the wine is generous and refreshing, culminating in an enduring savoury, mineral finish as a true representation of the region.”
Olga Fusari – Winemaker
“Edges of gunsmoke reduction on the first nose, followed by white peach, nectarine pit, ripe stone fruits set against white flowers and fresh acidities. Always a delicious white wine from Marchesi Frescobaldi, with director Axel Heinz and oenologist Olga Fusari. 25% new oak, 12 months in bottle before release.”
92 Points – Jane Anson
“Very Sauvignon on the nose, elderflower, green apple, with hawthorn, bitter lemon rind and soft honeysuckle aromas. Supple and nicely weighted in the mouth, a generosity of acidity and richness so you get thick lemon yoghurt type creaminess with orange peel and apricot flesh with lively lime juice flavours. Bright and charming, almost too squeaky clean contrasting some of the oaked notes, but overall enjoyable and easy to approach. Director Axel Heinz and winemaker Olga Fusari. 6% Verdicchio completes the blend.”
92 Points – Decanter, Georgina Hindle
Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
72% Sauvignon Blanc,
16% Vermentino,
6% Viognier,
6% Verdicchio
Natural Cork
13.5%
