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FrançaisTenuta dell’Ornellaia – The Excellence of Great Tuscan Wines
Power, refinement and depth — an emblem of Super Tuscan wines shaped by a unique maritime terroir.
A Benchmark Estate on the Tuscan Coast
Located in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine estates. Founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori, it has played a key role in the history of the Super Tuscans, propelling the region to the forefront of world-class winemaking. Its wines — powerful yet refined — are prized by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide for their elegance, depth and exceptional aging potential.
Terroir & Grape Varieties
The estate covers 86 hectares (75 ha under vine), on soils of sand, clay and gravel, just a stone’s throw from the Tyrrhenian Sea. This maritime setting lends the wines remarkable aromatic purity, precision of structure and a subtle mineral tension.
| Estate size | 86 ha (75 ha under vine) |
| Soils & climate | Sand, clay, gravel · Maritime influence (Tyrrhenian Sea) |
| Grape varieties | Cabernet Sauvignon 56% · Merlot 27% · Cabernet Franc 10% · Petit Verdot 7% |
Philosophy & Winemaking
At Ornellaia, each parcel is vinified separately to preserve its identity. The wines undergo long, precise aging in French oak barriques, combining technical mastery and the pursuit of balance. This meticulous parcel-based approach gives the wines their depth and complexity.
Style & Signature
- Nose: black fruit, Mediterranean herbs, cedar, graphite, spice.
- Palate: refined texture, measured density, silky tannins.
- Finish: precise length, coastal freshness, elegant persistence.
Wines with an international profile, yet distinctly Tuscan in identity, boasting remarkable aging potential.
Signature Cuvées
Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore DOC
The estate’s flagship wine: finesse, controlled power and deep aromatic complexity. Each vintage stands out for its exceptional balance and length.
Masseto
A cult wine, 100% Merlot, from a single 7 ha plot, with around 32,000 bottles produced annually. Velvety texture, density and aromatic intensity — one of Italy’s greatest reds.
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia
The second wine of the estate, made from younger vines. Accessible in its youth, it faithfully reflects Ornellaia’s stylistic signature.
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia
A blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon — a more supple and approachable interpretation of Ornellaia’s style.
Chronicle of Great Vintages
Over the decades, a few vintages have become cornerstones of Ornellaia’s legend. 1985 already showcased the potential of this coastal terroir, offering depth and balance that still impress today. 1998 and 2001 remain beautifully harmonious, perfectly mature examples of the estate’s classic style.
The powerful and ageworthy 2006 marked a turning point for concentration and structure, while 2008 brought grace and precision. 2009 was generous and ripe, contrasted by a 2010 of perfect poise — a modern benchmark. More recent vintages such as 2015, 2016 and 2019 confirm the remarkable consistency and expressiveness of Ornellaia’s wines.
Key Figures
| Founded | 1981 (Bolgheri) |
| Founder | Lodovico Antinori |
| Vineyard area | 86 ha (75 ha under vine) |
| Grape varieties | Cabernet Sauvignon 56% · Merlot 27% · Cabernet Franc 10% · Petit Verdot 7% |
| Iconic plot | Masseto (Merlot, ~7 ha) |
In Summary
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia remains a benchmark estate of Bolgheri: a property that shaped the Super Tuscan movement and continues to set the standard for excellence in fine Italian wine. From the iconic Ornellaia to the legendary Masseto, each cuvée reflects the strength of a unique terroir and a demanding vision.
