Ornellaia (2021)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and complex Tuscan red blend showcasing dark fruit flavors with hints of spice and tobacco.
About this wine
The 1986 Ornellaia from Bolgheri, Italy, presents a deep ruby color with garnet reflections, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe blackcurrant and blackberry, complemented by subtle notes of cedar and tobacco. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, delivering flavors of dark berries, spice, and a touch of earthiness. The tannins have softened over time, providing a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. This vintage is a testament to Ornellaia's commitment to producing exceptional Bordeaux-style blends in Tuscany's Bolgheri region.
About the grape
In the early 1980s, Marchese Lodovico Antinori established the Ornellaia estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany, aiming to produce wines that could rival Bordeaux's finest. He planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, grape varieties traditionally associated with Bordeaux, to craft a distinctive blend. The inaugural vintage in 1985 showcased this combination, with the 1986 release further solidifying Ornellaia's reputation. The region's unique coastal climate and diverse soils provided an ideal environment for these varietals, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1986 Ornellaia was among the early vintages that established the estate's reputation for producing high-quality Bordeaux-style blends in Tuscany.
- 🌊 Ornellaia's vineyards are located in Bolgheri, a region known for its unique microclimate influenced by the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea, providing ideal conditions for Bordeaux grape varieties.
- 👨🔬 The 1986 vintage of Ornellaia was crafted under the guidance of renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who played a pivotal role in shaping the wine's style and quality.
- 🌱 Ornellaia's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous vineyard management, where each grape variety is planted in soil types best suited to its characteristics, enhancing the wine's complexity.
- 🌟 The 1986 Ornellaia is part of the 'Super Tuscan' movement, which revolutionized Italian winemaking by incorporating non-traditional grape varieties and winemaking techniques, leading to globally acclaimed wines.
Palate profile
Producer
Marchese Lodovico Antinori, a member of the renowned Antinori wine dynasty, founded Tenuta dell'Ornellaia in 1981 near Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy. This estate became famous for producing the acclaimed Super Tuscan wines Ornellaia and Masseto. In 2002, Lodovico sold Ornellaia and, in collaboration with his brother Piero Antinori, established Tenuta di Biserno in Bibbona, focusing on Bordeaux varietals, particularly Cabernet Franc. The estate is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, producing limited quantities of exceptional wines.
