Winery Overview & History
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is the epitome of modern Tuscan luxury—a Super Tuscan estate founded in 1981 by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in the coastal village of Bolgheri. Inspired by Bordeaux yet deeply rooted in Italian elegance, Ornellaia has become one of the world’s most celebrated wineries. Its debut vintage in 1985 marked a turning point for Italian fine wine, blending innovation, artistry, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The estate spans over 100 hectares along the Bolgheri coastline, where maritime breezes temper the Tuscan sun. Soils range from marine sands to clay and limestone, offering remarkable complexity and balance. The Mediterranean climate, combined with precise vineyard management, allows slow ripening and the development of rich yet refined flavors.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
Ornellaia’s vineyards are planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The wines embody power wrapped in elegance—dark berries, graphite, spice, and polished tannins balanced by freshness. Each vintage reveals the signature Ornellaia harmony between structure, depth, and sensuality.
Signature Wines
- Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore DOC — The flagship blend, rich and complex, aged 18–20 months in new French oak; among Italy’s most collectible wines.
- Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia — The second wine, approachable yet sophisticated, offering an elegant expression of the Bolgheri terroir.
- Masseto — A separate single-vineyard Merlot icon born under Ornellaia’s vision, now its own estate but still tied by legacy.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified separately by parcel. Fermentations occur in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete tanks, followed by aging in 70–100% new French oak. Each component is blended with meticulous precision to achieve perfect balance. The estate’s “Vendemmia d’Artista” series—each vintage paired with a commissioned artist—celebrates the marriage of art and terroir.
Visitor & Contact Information
Visiting: Tours and tastings by reservation only; guests may also visit the Ornellaia Art Collection exhibition.
Address: Località Ornellaia, 57022 Bolgheri (LI), Tuscany, Italy
Phone: +39 0565 718 242
Website: www.ornellaia.com
Email: visit@ornellaia.it
* Photo Courtesy of Ornellaia