Tenuta dell'Ornellaia : Ornellaia 2020

The elegance and aromatic expression of a great Tuscan red wine

The estate

With a renown that has gone beyond the Mediterranean coast of Italy to establish itself internationally, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is one of Italy’s biggest names in wine. Founded in 1981, this jewel in the heart of Tuscany is now owned and operated by the Frescobaldi family. In the space of a few decades, the estate’s exceptional skill, supported by the consultant oenologist Michel Rolland and the oenologist Axel Heinz, has confirmed the reputation of these great wines across the world while reinterpreting the finesse of Italian wines in the light of a great terroir.

The vineyard

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia watches over a vineyard which, thanks to its diversity of exposures, benefits from both a refreshing sea breeze and natural protection against the cold winds in winter. Located not far from the Bolgheri hills, this terroir owes its uniqueness to its mosaic of sandy-clay soils of marine, alluvial and volcanic origin. The grape varieties used in the blend of these great Tuscan wines, grown in the heart of these preserved landscapes, develop a pure and refined expression.

The wine

Ornellaia 2020 is unveiled in an elegant wooden box set, with one of the six bottles revealing the work of an internationally renowned artist. For the 15th edition of Ornellaia Vendemmia d'Artista, the American artist Joseph Kosuth has interpreted the character "La Proporzione" (The Proportion) of this vintage, evoking the perfect balance between the parts and the whole.

The vintage

A mild, wet winter preceded frosts in March that did not affect new shoots still protected by the cottony tissue of the bud. The warm spring conditions with moderate rainfall advanced even growth in the vineyard until the flowering recorded between the 20th and 25th of May. The summer was particularly hot and dry, and was punctuated at the end of August by some restorative rains, leading to a drop in temperature as well as thermal contrasts between day and night - ideal conditions for refining ripening.

The Merlot harvest, which was carried out over two weeks in order to preserve the freshness and fruity character of the grapes as much as possible, gave way to a sudden heat wave which increased the sweetness of the grapes, making it necessary to harvest the youngest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from 17 September. The few rainy spells recorded at the end of September enabled the harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot to be completed on 3 October.

Winemaking and ageing

After the grapes were harvested by hand with the greatest of care, the perfectly ripe grapes were taken to the cellar. There, the grapes arrived in 15 kg crates to be sorted before and after destemming on a double manual sorting table but also via optical sorting. Then a light pressing was carried out. Vinification by grape variety and by plot, to bring out their unique character. Fermentation took place for about ten days in stainless steel and concrete vats. Maceration for about fifteen days. Malolactic fermentation in oak barrels (70% of which were new and 30% of one wine). The wine was aged for 18 months in barrels. The wine was blended after the first 12 months of ageing. At the end of the maturation period, an additional 12 months of bottle ageing was carried out to complete the development of the unique aromatic character of this cuvée.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (50%)
Merlot (32%)
Cabernet Franc (13%)
Petit Verdot (5%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Ornellaia 2020 from Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Tasting

Colour
The wine is of an intense ruby colour.

Nose
The nose is expressive, mingling scents of very ripe red fruit, vanilla and sweet tobacco.

Palate
Full and velvety, the palate entices with its dense tannins while unveiling a lovely elegance and a lingering, delicious finish.