2022 Ornellaia "Le Volte Dell'Ornellaia", Tuscany, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

The 2022 vintage in Bolgheri was distinguished by a typical winter with temperatures nearing the seasonal average, followed by a start of spring that was equally cool and dry. These conditions caused the vines to bud later than usual. From May onwards, a lengthy dry spell – lasting for about 75 days – persisted in the area, seriously challenging plant growth. The vines suffered from notable water stress during the growth, flowering and veraison periods, which resulted in a low-yield vintage.

Fortunately, after these complications, the rainfall caused by classic
summer storms freed up the energies, reactivating the physiology of the vines that could resume the ripening of the grapes. The rainfall cleared up during a month of September that proved perfect for the accumulation of sugar, aromas and tannins, mostly due to the cool night-time temperatures. The harvest took place in superb conditions that enabled us to choose the perfect date for each vineyard and varietal.
The red grape harvest started with Merlot on 25 August before continuing through September with Cabernet Sauvignon and ending on 10 October.

The different varietals were fermented separately in small steel tanks to maintain their characteristics. The alcoholic fermentation was followed by malolactic fermentation, again in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 10 months, partly in barriques used previously for Ornellaia and partly in concrete tanks, to obtain the perfect balance between tannic structure and the expression of fresh fruit.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Ornellaia Winery is one of the most prestigious and well-regarded wineries in Tuscany, Italy, and is particularly known for producing high-quality Super Tuscan wines. Located in the coastal region of Bolgheri, which lies in the Maremma area of Tuscany, Ornellaia is recognized globally for its exceptional wines that combine both traditional Italian winemaking techniques and modern innovations. The winery is renowned for its Bordeaux-style blends, with its flagship wine, Ornellaia, being one of the most celebrated wines in Italy.

The history of Ornellaia Winery dates back to 1981, when it was founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori, a member of the prestigious Antinori family, which has a long history in Italian winemaking. Ornellaia's first vintage was in 1985, and the winery quickly garnered attention for its exceptional quality.

In 2005, Ornellaia was acquired by the Marchesi de' Frescobaldi family, another historic name in Italian winemaking. This acquisition allowed for increased resources and a focus on refining the winery's already high standards.

Ornellaia combines traditional techniques with modern practices to produce wines of depth, balance, and elegance. The vineyards are farmed using sustainable practices, with a focus on ensuring the natural balance of the ecosystem and the quality of the fruit.

The vineyard management is meticulous, with careful attention to vine density, pruning, and crop thinning to ensure optimal grape quality. The estate also employs hand harvesting to select only the best fruit for winemaking.

In the winery, Fermentation takes place in a mix of stainless steel and French oak vats, and the wines are aged in French oak barrels, which helps to add structure and complexity without overwhelming the natural fruit flavors.