Tenuta dell'Ornellaia : Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2020

The precision and smoothness of a second Tuscan wine

The estate

With a reputation that has shifted from the Italian Mediterranean coast to the international stage, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is one of the finest names in Italy. Founded in 1981, this Tuscan gem is now owned and managed by the Frescobaldi family. In the space of a few decades, the exceptional know-how of the house, combined with the support from the consultant oenologist, Michel Rolland, and the oenologist, Axel Heinz, has enabled the estate to establish its international reputation all while reinterpreting the finesse of Italian wines that highlight a great terroir.

The wine

Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia by Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is a Tuscan wine made from vineyards located in Bolgheri.

The vintage

A mild, wet winter preceded an episode of frost at the end of March, which did not affect the vineyard.

The milder conditions during the spring ensured that the vineyard developed evenly.  Despite some rain in mid-June, the summer was marked by particularly hot and dry conditions until the end of August. The rainfall at the end of August was a lifesaver and ensured the optimal ripening of the grapes. While the Merlot grapes were harvested quickly in order to preserve their freshness and fruity expression, the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes had to endure a scorching week, resulting in a rapid increase in sugar levels and an early harvest. Rainfall at the end of September restored the climatic conditions to normal, as did the sugar levels.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes, picked in 15-kilo boxes, are sorted by hand before and after destemming and then lightly pressed. For an even greater precision, an optical sorting system has been used since the 2016 vintage. The vinification is done on a parcel-by-parcel basis and by grape variety. After a 15-day fermentation, partly in stainless steel vats and partly in concrete vats, maceration is carried out over a period of 10 to 15 days depending on the plot. Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel vats and then transfer to oak barrels (25% new, 75% second-fill) for 15 months. At the end of the 12th month of ageing, the wines are blended and then put back into barrels for three months. Lastly, following bottling, the wines are left in the cellar for a further 6 months before being released.

The blend

Merlot (44%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (30%)

Cabernet Franc (13%)

Petit Verdot (13%)

Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2020 by Tenuta dell'Ornellaia: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

An intense ruby colour with subtle purple hues.

Nose

The opulent and precise nose gives off delicious aromas of ripe fruit.

Palate

The full and enfolding palate reveals an alluringly silky feel, along with a pleasant balance and elegance.