£226.00 / bottle
There is only a very limited amount of this item left in stock.
| Origin | Italy, Tuscany |
|---|---|
| Main Grapes | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Other Grapes | Viognier |
| Vintages | 2019 |
| Bottle Sizes | 75cl |
| Website | Ornellaia |
Ornellaia Bianco is a relative newcomer, the first vintage was released in just 2013, but it is already regarded as one of Tuscany’s finest white wines. It is a blend of predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with a some Viognier.
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is one of the best known wineries in the in the Bolgheri appellation on the coast of Tuscany. The estate was founded in 1981 by Marchese Lodovico Antinori. The estate comprises of 115 hectares of vineyards nestled in the foothills near Bolgheri which lie just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean coast (next door to Tenuta San Guido, producer of Sassicaia). 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. The 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. Eventually, in 2002, the estate was purchased by Robert Mondavi who entered into a partnership with the Frescobaldi family (Masseto, Luce et al.) who then bought it outright in 2005. Michel Rolland is the consultant oenologist.
Ornellaia Bianco is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc with a some Viognier which is sourced from from three small vineyards that have demonstrated their remarkable capacity to express the unique character of Ornellaia. 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 to protection against oxidation. After static decantation lasting approximately 24 hours, all the must was placed in barriques, 30% new and 70% used, for alcoholic fermentation at temperatures no higher than 22°C. No malolactic fermentation was carried out. The ageing continued for 10 months on the lees with periodic bâtonnage over the entire period and concluded 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 introduction to the market.
The Ornellaia Bianco 2019 is blend of 81% Sauvignon Blanc and 19% Viognier.
“Ornellaia Bianco 2019, straw yellow in colour with green hues, it reveals great complexity on the nose: vegetal and balsamic notes of sage, thyme and herbs stand out, accompanied by scents of white-fleshed fruit. A delicate note of vanilla completes the aromatic profile. In the mouth the wine is full and velvety, with a nice density that fills the palate finely. The taste closes with a persistent and savoury finish, with a minerality that strongly links it to its area of origin.”
Olga Fusari – Oenologist-March 2021
Wine Advocate 94+
James Suckling 95
Antonio Galloni 94
