Tenuta dell 'Ornellaia

Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is situated on the Via Bolgherese in a triangle between the sea, the medieval hamlet of Bolgheri and the town of Castagneto Carducci. To get there, one travels up part of the historic ‘cypress avenue’ celebrated by the poet Giosuè Carducci. The estate comprises 240 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Since 1981, when Tenuta dell’Ornellaia was established, this beautiful and unspoiled area has become synonymous with winemaking of the first order and the philosophy of ‘quality without compromise.’

Key elements of the success of this renowned estate are its unique soil and climate, ideally suited for the cultivation of Cabernet and Merlot. Man’s work is also an integral part of this search for excellence and is expressed through extraordinary care in the vineyards during the harvest and in vinification. 

Influenced by the Mediterranean sea, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia benefits from a mild climate. The ripening process is enhanced by the sun’s reflection off the sea, providing prolonged hours of daylight which allows for the development of more depth and character in the grapes. The soil is varied and composite; the proximity to the sea has ensured the presence of loamy, sandy soils while the erosion of the hills in the higher part of the estate has provided shale and marl with light ferrous veins.

The vineyards are assiduously cared for and attention is paid to the smallest detail by the approximately 80 people working amongst the vines year round. Pruning, canopy management during the vegetative cycle and crop thinning are all undertaken with delicate precision. The latter, although it reduces the yield of the vines, guarantees that the remaining grapes mature in the best possible conditions achieving maximum concentration and above all, balance.

The resulting wines, harmonious and graceful, stand among the best in the world and are pure expressions of the Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia estate.  The unwavering dedication of the team, coupled with superb microclimatic and geological conditions, has given the Estate an international success.  In 2001, Wine Spectator, declared vintage 1998 Ornellaia Wine of the Year.  The wines have received many other national and international awards, and consistently garner top scores from the most influential wine press.