Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Ornellaia 2018

Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, one of Italy’s most prestigious wineries, was founded in 1981 in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany. Established by Marchese Lodovico Antinori, the estate quickly gained international acclaim for producing world-class Super Tuscan wines that rival the finest Bordeaux. Now under the ownership of the Frescobaldi family, Ornellaia continues to represent the pinnacle of Italian winemaking, combining tradition with innovation to craft wines of exceptional elegance and complexity.

The 2018 vintage of Ornellaia, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, benefited from a cooler growing season that resulted in wines of remarkable balance and freshness. The diverse soils of the Bolgheri region—ranging from alluvial sand and clay to volcanic gravel—contribute to the wine’s depth and complexity. Each grape variety is vinified separately in stainless steel and oak vats, followed by 18 months of aging in French oak barrels (70% new, 30% second-use). After blending, the wine rests in bottle for an additional 12 months before release, ensuring perfect integration of flavours.

Appearance: Deep, almost opaque ruby red with a vibrant garnet rim. The wine’s colour intensity suggests richness, while slow-moving legs in the glass indicate a structured, full-bodied profile.

Aroma: Intensely aromatic, offering layers of blackberries, ripe cassis, and dark plums. Floral notes of violet and dried rose petals mingle with hints of graphite, cedarwood, and crushed herbs. Subtle balsamic undertones, espresso, and dark chocolate add further depth, reflecting the wine’s time in oak.

Taste: Powerful yet refined, with luscious black fruit dominating the palate—blackcurrants, black cherries, and mulberries. The tannins are firm yet polished, providing structure without overwhelming the fruit. Vibrant acidity ensures balance, while layers of liquorice, tobacco, and cocoa powder add complexity. A touch of minerality lingers, enhancing the wine’s sense of place.

Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, with waves of dark fruit, spice, and savoury notes unfolding over time. The fine-grained tannins and subtle oak influence leave a lingering impression of elegance and sophistication, making it a wine built for both immediate pleasure and long-term aging.

Food Pairing:
Grilled Florentine steak with rosemary and sea salt, allowing the wine’s tannins and rich fruit to complement the smoky, juicy meat.
Slow-cooked wild boar ragù with pappardelle, where the wine’s complexity enhances the dish’s deep, savoury flavours.