Tenuta del Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove 2019

Le Serre Nuove is the second wine of the legendary Ornellaia estate, one of the most prestigious names in Bolgheri and a benchmark for Super Tuscan wines. Established in 1981, Ornellaia has gained international acclaim for producing Bordeaux-style blends that reflect the unique coastal terroir of Tuscany. Le Serre Nuove was introduced in 1997 as a more approachable and earlier-drinking alternative to Ornellaia, while still maintaining the estate’s trademark depth and complexity. The 2019 vintage was marked by a warm growing season with cool nights, ensuring optimal ripening and excellent balance between fruit concentration and freshness.

Sourced from younger vines within the Ornellaia estate, Le Serre Nuove 2019 is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The vineyards benefit from Bolgheri’s maritime influence, which moderates the Tuscan heat and enhances aromatic expression. The alluvial, clay-rich soils provide excellent drainage, contributing to the wine’s structure and ageing potential. Aged for 15 months in French oak (25% new), this wine gains complexity and integration while preserving its bright fruit character.

Appearance: Deep ruby red with striking garnet hues at the rim, revealing both its concentration and ageing potential. The wine is intensely coloured, nearly opaque at its core, showing richness and depth. When swirled, it forms slow-moving, thick legs that cling to the glass, indicating its full-bodied nature, refined tannins, and well-integrated alcohol. The vibrancy of the colour suggests a wine that is still youthful but beginning to develop complexity.

Aroma: An inviting bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums is layered with elegant notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite. Hints of crushed violets, dark chocolate, and a touch of spice—clove and black pepper—add further complexity, reflecting the careful oak ageing.

Taste: Silky yet structured, this wine offers a lush, fruit-forward palate with juicy red and black fruits at the forefront. Blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry are complemented by notes of espresso, liquorice, and a savoury, herbal undertone. The well-integrated tannins provide a velvety mouthfeel, while the lively acidity keeps the wine fresh and vibrant.

Finish: Long and refined, with lingering notes of dark berries, cocoa, and a touch of minerality. The tannins are polished and persistent, ensuring excellent ageing potential while making the wine highly enjoyable in its youth.

Food Pairing: Tuscan-style grilled steak brings out the richness and structure of the wine, while the wine’s balanced acidity and dark fruit notes enhance the charred, savoury flavours of the meat. Aged Pecorino Toscano is another excellent match, as its nutty, salty profile contrasts beautifully with the wine’s ripe fruit and supple tannins.