2010 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 25th Anniversary Magnum
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| Type of Wine | |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Grape | , , |
| Content (Alc) | 1.5 ltr (14.5%) |
| Drink window | 2016 - 2034 |
Low Stock
Only 1 left
Description
The history of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia and Bolgheri
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia was founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori in Bolgheri, an emerging wine region on the Tuscan coast. Thanks to the warm Mediterranean climate, the influence of the nearby sea and a mix of clay and sandy soils, Bolgheri developed into a leading area for international grape varieties. Since 2005, the estate has been owned by the Frescobaldi family. Their policy combines terroir-oriented work with a focus on maturation and balance. Ornellaia has become one of the most sought-after Italian wines worldwide.
The style and wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia
Ornellaia is known for its elegant Bordeaux blends, combining power and finesse. The wines are usually made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. In addition to the iconic Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, the estate also produces Le Serre Nuove, Le Volte and white wine under Poggio alle Gazze. Each wine is vinified separately per plot, with attention to maturation and bottling.
2010 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum: grapes, harvest and vinification
The 2010 vintage started cool and developed into an exceptionally balanced season with slow, even ripening. The blend of this magnum consists of approximately 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The grapes were harvested by hand between late September and early October. Each grape variety was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, after which malolactic fermentation took place in French oak barriques (70% new). After 18 months of maturation in wood, the wine was matured in bottle in the cellar for a further 12 months before release.
Color, aroma and taste of the 2010 Ornellaia Magnum
The 2010 Ornellaia presents itself with a deep, intense ruby red colour. In the nose we find layers of blackcurrant, plum, graphite, liquorice, spices and subtle notes of cedar. In the mouth the wine is powerful and structured, with refined tannins and a layered texture. The palate offers black fruit, mocha, a touch of tobacco and perfectly integrated oak. The finish is long and complex, which underlines the quality and the ageing potential of this vintage. The 2010 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 25th Anniversary Magnum is a special edition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the winery, founded in 1985 and this version comes in a beautiful limited edition wooden box with a special bottle.
Would you like to order wines from 2010 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum online?
The 2010 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum is safely stored in a conditioned environment in our Wine Warehouse. When you choose to collect, you often receive an attractive discount. This is automatically displayed when you select 'Collect' during checkout. We are located in Dordrecht, close to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address .
Full tasting notes by international wine critics such as Robert Parker, James Suckling and Vinous are available via the links next to the image. A free service for our customers.
Would you like advice on the right wine-food pairing? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . This free service is available to all Grandcruwijnen customers.
Wine and food pairings with 2010 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum
Beef fillet with rosemary jus and truffle puree: The structure and depth of flavour of the meat perfectly match the complexity of the wine.
Roasted guinea fowl with lentils and sage jus: The refined taste of poultry goes well with the freshness and strength of this vintage.
Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan: Creaminess and umami enhance the wine's velvety texture and ripe notes.
Eggplant rolls with pecorino and tomato sauce: The soft vegetable texture and salty notes complement the structure of the wine well.
Slow-cooked veal cheek with red wine sauce: The deep flavours of the dish find harmony in the layering of the Ornellaia 2010.
Grilled tuna fillet with black olives and capers: The salty elements create tension and a surprising combination with the wine.
Specifications
| Packing information | Case |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Red |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Appellation | Bolgheri |
| Icons | Icon Italy |
| Winery | Tenuta dell Ornellaia |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Drinking as of | 2016 |
| Drinking till | 2034 |
| Alcohol % | 14.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 1.5 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 98 |
| James Suckling rating | 95 |
| Vinous rating | 98 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Tannines, Vol |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 97+
Reviewed by:
Monica Larner
Release Price:
$240
Drink Date:
2016 - 2030
Poured from the special anniversary bottle, the 2010 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is a truly outstanding wine that leaves a lasting memory for those who are lucky enough to enjoy it. What stands out is the absolutely seamless-seamless-seamless (yes, it's worth repeating three times) integration of its many moving parts. The wine magically transitions from cherry, spice, chocolate and espresso in one melodic and continuous loop. It exudes balance and elegance over long, delicious minutes. It is profoundly impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. Of all the grapevines planted on the Ornellaia estate, the 2010 vintage showed best results with Merlot, says Leonardo Raspini. Because the harvest was later than usual, the early-ripening grape enjoyed a slow and steady evolution.
This year Ornellaia celebrates the 25th anniversary of its flagship wine, the eponymous Ornellaia (1988-2013). General Director Leonardo Raspini and his team decide to celebrate with a commemorative edition of the wine packaged in an etched bottle with gold lettering.
Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners; www.foliowine.com
Published: Aug 29, 2013
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
95
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 333
Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Tuesday, Nov 05, 2013
Color
Red
Country
Italy
Region
Tuscany
Vintage
2010
A wine with a wonderful depth of berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Full-bodied with velvety tannins and a round, delicious finish. Fruit-forward and exuberant: more in-your-face fruit to this wine than in many past vintages. Enticing all the same. This comes in a special bottle commemorating the 25th anniversary of the wine coming onto the market. Try in 2016.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
98
Drinking Window
2016 - 2036
From: Ornellaia & Masseto: 1995-2010 From Magnum (Jan 2017)
How many dinners anywhere start with a wine on a level with the 2010 Ornellaia? I imagine not many. But that’s exactly the way we get going. Super-expressive aromatics soar out of the glass as the 2010 shows off its personality. Sweet herbs, tobacco, licorice, mocha and tar wrap around a core of intense dark fruit. Racy, powerful and majestic, the 2010 is a total stunner.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2016
This wine was tasted as part of a an Ornellaia and Masseto Retrospective hosted by Vinous on December 5, 2016. The tasting spanned eight iconic, reference point vintages; 2010, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1997 and 1995. All of the wines were served from magnum. Most of the Ornellaia magnums were from the Archivio Storico collection of library wines. The bottles were purchased from the estate, ensuring perfect provenance.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2009
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is the brainchild of Lodovico Antinori, who founded this gorgeous, sprawling estate in Tuscany’s Maremma in 1981. Vines were planted in 1982 and the first vintages were overseen by the legendary oenologist and winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. Today Ornellaia is owned by the Frescobaldi family, but like all of the Frescobaldi properties, it is run independently. The estate produces a wide range of wines, from the entry-level Le Volte to the super-premium Merlot Masseto. To me, though, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon-based Ornellaia which truly captures the essence of these unique vineyards and microclimates. Early vintages of Ornellaia were predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, typically 75-80%, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc playing supporting roles. Beginning in 1996 the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon was reduced and Merlot took on a more prominent role, reaching the 30% or so that is customary today. In 2003 Petit Verdot was introduced as the fourth variety in the blend. Of course, the final blend each year is a result of vintage conditions. Other significant stylistic changes include increased selection in the vineyards and cellar with the introduction of a second wine, Le Serre Nuove, in 1997, which subsequently led to a more concentrated style in Ornellaia. Over the years the estate increased its use of new French oak barrels from roughly 40% in the first vintages to the 70% or so that is the norm these days. Fermentation and maceration times have also moved up from the 15-20 days that was typical early on to roughly 25-30 days that is common in recent vintages. Great attention is given to viticulture and winemaking. Each of the varieties and parcels is harvested, vinified and aged separately, a process that can include as many as 60 or so separate component wines. Fermentation takes place partly in wood and partly in steel, while the malolactic fermentation is finished in French oak barrels. The wines are aged separately for roughly twelve months. The final blend is assembled and the wines are racked back into oak for a further six months. Generally Ornellaia is neither fined nor filtered prior to being bottled, although in some vintages the estate performs a light fining.
97
Drinking Window
2016 - 2026
From: Tuscany 2006 and 2007: A New Golden Age (Aug 2009)
The 2006 Ornellaia flows from the glass in a profound expression of ripe, dark fruit. With time in the glass layers of minerals, cassis, tar, sweet herbs and French oak emerge, adding further complexity. This harmonious Ornellaia combines the richness of the vintage with superb freshness and awesome balance. Today the wine's sheer density almost manages to hide the tannins, but they are there, and the wine will ultimately benefit from a few years in the cellar. The 2006 Ornellaia is one of the highlights of this sensational Tuscan vintage.
- By Antonio Galloni on August 2009
This set of new 2006s from Tenuta dell'Ornellaia leaves me looking for words that can adequately capture the pure magic and sheer profoundness the property has achieved in this important, hallmark vintage. I will try with one word: Monumental. The Ornellaia team led by Oenologist Axel Heinz and Agronomist/General Manager Leonardo Raspini has done a fabulous job with these wines, which have never failed to literally send shivers down my spine on the multiple occasions I have tasted them. At this stage the 2007 Serre Nuove, Ornellaia and Masseto are shaping up to be ripe, relatively early-drinking wines without the stuffing or sheer vibrancy of the 2006s. I recently had the privilege of revisiting 17 vintages of Ornellaia (all from magnum) spanning vintages 1985-2006 at an incredible tasting that will be covered in an in-depth article on www.erobertparker.com in the coming months.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Wijnhuis
Lodovico Antinori already had a head start at birth. The Antinoris have been among the Florentine merchant nobility for centuries and already joined the wine buyers' guild in 1385. Since then, there has always been one member of the family in the wine trade. The family estates in Tuscany were greatly expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries and the family gained a lot of experience in the winery. At the beginning of this century, she founded an influential trading company. Marquis Lodovico worked for a while in the family business, but decided to go his own way in the early 1980s. He created an extensive vineyard on Tenuta dell'Ornelllaia, a family estate in Bolgheri on the Mediterranean, 96 km from Florence.
This part of the Maremma not only has a beautiful wild nature, but is also a fertile agricultural area, a region with great potential for wine production. Lodovico's uncle, Marquis Incisa della Rochetta, had already drawn Bolgheri's attention to the wine world with his pioneering work on Tenuta San Guido and with his Sassiciaia, now regarded as one of the world's greatest red wines.
Lodovico Antinori followed in his uncle's footsteps in nearby Ornellaia, although he makes a completely different type of wine. He learned from a number of international wine authorities that the character of the Bolgheri soil resembled that of St.-Émilion and Pomerol in Bordeaux was ideal for the production of quality wine. The special feature of the Ornellaia vineyard - for Italian standards - is the high percentage of merlot. The assembly for Antinori's top wine, the red Ornellaia, contains 40% merlot. However, this grape comes into its own best at the vigna veccia (old vines) of the winery. Since 1987, this plot has supplied the raw material for a 100% Merlot cuvée called the Masseto. The grapes for this wine have been picked under a sunny September sky. After the long fermentation of 18-20 days, the wine is naturally transferred to tanks. After which a maturing process in new Barriques. The result is a wine with structure, very pure fruit and a beautiful balance.
The history of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia and Bolgheri
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia was founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori in Bolgheri, an emerging wine region on the Tuscan coast. Thanks to the warm Mediterranean climate, the influence of the nearby sea and a mix of clay and sandy soils, Bolgheri developed into a leading area for international grape varieties. Since 2005, the estate has been owned by the Frescobaldi family. Their policy combines terroir-oriented work with a focus on maturation and balance. Ornellaia has become one of the most sought-after Italian wines worldwide.
The style and wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia
Ornellaia is known for its elegant Bordeaux blends, combining power and finesse. The wines are usually made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. In addition to the iconic Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, the estate also produces Le Serre Nuove, Le Volte and white wine under Poggio alle Gazze. Each wine is vinified separately per plot, with attention to maturation and bottling.
2010 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum: grapes, harvest and vinification
The 2010 vintage started cool and developed into an exceptionally balanced season with slow, even ripening. The blend of this magnum consists of approximately 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The grapes were harvested by hand between late September and early October. Each grape variety was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, after which malolactic fermentation took place in French oak barriques (70% new). After 18 months of maturation in wood, the wine was matured in bottle in the cellar for a further 12 months before release.
Color, aroma and taste of the 2010 Ornellaia Magnum
The 2010 Ornellaia presents itself with a deep, intense ruby red colour. In the nose we find layers of blackcurrant, plum, graphite, liquorice, spices and subtle notes of cedar. In the mouth the wine is powerful and structured, with refined tannins and a layered texture. The palate offers black fruit, mocha, a touch of tobacco and perfectly integrated oak. The finish is long and complex, which underlines the quality and the ageing potential of this vintage. The 2010 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 25th Anniversary Magnum is a special edition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the winery, founded in 1985 and this version comes in a beautiful limited edition wooden box with a special bottle.
Would you like to order wines from 2010 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum online?
The 2010 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum is safely stored in a conditioned environment in our Wine Warehouse. When you choose to collect, you often receive an attractive discount. This is automatically displayed when you select 'Collect' during checkout. We are located in Dordrecht, close to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address .
Full tasting notes by international wine critics such as Robert Parker, James Suckling and Vinous are available via the links next to the image. A free service for our customers.
Would you like advice on the right wine-food pairing? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . This free service is available to all Grandcruwijnen customers.
Wine and food pairings with 2010 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum
Beef fillet with rosemary jus and truffle puree: The structure and depth of flavour of the meat perfectly match the complexity of the wine.
Roasted guinea fowl with lentils and sage jus: The refined taste of poultry goes well with the freshness and strength of this vintage.
Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan: Creaminess and umami enhance the wine's velvety texture and ripe notes.
Eggplant rolls with pecorino and tomato sauce: The soft vegetable texture and salty notes complement the structure of the wine well.
Slow-cooked veal cheek with red wine sauce: The deep flavours of the dish find harmony in the layering of the Ornellaia 2010.
Grilled tuna fillet with black olives and capers: The salty elements create tension and a surprising combination with the wine.
| Packing information | Case |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Red |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Appellation | Bolgheri |
| Icons | Icon Italy |
| Winery | Tenuta dell Ornellaia |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Drinking as of | 2016 |
| Drinking till | 2034 |
| Alcohol % | 14.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 1.5 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 98 |
| James Suckling rating | 95 |
| Vinous rating | 98 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Tannines, Vol |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 97+
Reviewed by:
Monica Larner
Release Price:
$240
Drink Date:
2016 - 2030
Poured from the special anniversary bottle, the 2010 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is a truly outstanding wine that leaves a lasting memory for those who are lucky enough to enjoy it. What stands out is the absolutely seamless-seamless-seamless (yes, it's worth repeating three times) integration of its many moving parts. The wine magically transitions from cherry, spice, chocolate and espresso in one melodic and continuous loop. It exudes balance and elegance over long, delicious minutes. It is profoundly impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. Of all the grapevines planted on the Ornellaia estate, the 2010 vintage showed best results with Merlot, says Leonardo Raspini. Because the harvest was later than usual, the early-ripening grape enjoyed a slow and steady evolution.
This year Ornellaia celebrates the 25th anniversary of its flagship wine, the eponymous Ornellaia (1988-2013). General Director Leonardo Raspini and his team decide to celebrate with a commemorative edition of the wine packaged in an etched bottle with gold lettering.
Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners; www.foliowine.com
Published: Aug 29, 2013
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
95
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 333
Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Tuesday, Nov 05, 2013
Color
Red
Country
Italy
Region
Tuscany
Vintage
2010
A wine with a wonderful depth of berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Full-bodied with velvety tannins and a round, delicious finish. Fruit-forward and exuberant: more in-your-face fruit to this wine than in many past vintages. Enticing all the same. This comes in a special bottle commemorating the 25th anniversary of the wine coming onto the market. Try in 2016.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
98
Drinking Window
2016 - 2036
From: Ornellaia & Masseto: 1995-2010 From Magnum (Jan 2017)
How many dinners anywhere start with a wine on a level with the 2010 Ornellaia? I imagine not many. But that’s exactly the way we get going. Super-expressive aromatics soar out of the glass as the 2010 shows off its personality. Sweet herbs, tobacco, licorice, mocha and tar wrap around a core of intense dark fruit. Racy, powerful and majestic, the 2010 is a total stunner.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2016
This wine was tasted as part of a an Ornellaia and Masseto Retrospective hosted by Vinous on December 5, 2016. The tasting spanned eight iconic, reference point vintages; 2010, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1997 and 1995. All of the wines were served from magnum. Most of the Ornellaia magnums were from the Archivio Storico collection of library wines. The bottles were purchased from the estate, ensuring perfect provenance.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2009
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is the brainchild of Lodovico Antinori, who founded this gorgeous, sprawling estate in Tuscany’s Maremma in 1981. Vines were planted in 1982 and the first vintages were overseen by the legendary oenologist and winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. Today Ornellaia is owned by the Frescobaldi family, but like all of the Frescobaldi properties, it is run independently. The estate produces a wide range of wines, from the entry-level Le Volte to the super-premium Merlot Masseto. To me, though, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon-based Ornellaia which truly captures the essence of these unique vineyards and microclimates. Early vintages of Ornellaia were predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, typically 75-80%, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc playing supporting roles. Beginning in 1996 the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon was reduced and Merlot took on a more prominent role, reaching the 30% or so that is customary today. In 2003 Petit Verdot was introduced as the fourth variety in the blend. Of course, the final blend each year is a result of vintage conditions. Other significant stylistic changes include increased selection in the vineyards and cellar with the introduction of a second wine, Le Serre Nuove, in 1997, which subsequently led to a more concentrated style in Ornellaia. Over the years the estate increased its use of new French oak barrels from roughly 40% in the first vintages to the 70% or so that is the norm these days. Fermentation and maceration times have also moved up from the 15-20 days that was typical early on to roughly 25-30 days that is common in recent vintages. Great attention is given to viticulture and winemaking. Each of the varieties and parcels is harvested, vinified and aged separately, a process that can include as many as 60 or so separate component wines. Fermentation takes place partly in wood and partly in steel, while the malolactic fermentation is finished in French oak barrels. The wines are aged separately for roughly twelve months. The final blend is assembled and the wines are racked back into oak for a further six months. Generally Ornellaia is neither fined nor filtered prior to being bottled, although in some vintages the estate performs a light fining.
97
Drinking Window
2016 - 2026
From: Tuscany 2006 and 2007: A New Golden Age (Aug 2009)
The 2006 Ornellaia flows from the glass in a profound expression of ripe, dark fruit. With time in the glass layers of minerals, cassis, tar, sweet herbs and French oak emerge, adding further complexity. This harmonious Ornellaia combines the richness of the vintage with superb freshness and awesome balance. Today the wine's sheer density almost manages to hide the tannins, but they are there, and the wine will ultimately benefit from a few years in the cellar. The 2006 Ornellaia is one of the highlights of this sensational Tuscan vintage.
- By Antonio Galloni on August 2009
This set of new 2006s from Tenuta dell'Ornellaia leaves me looking for words that can adequately capture the pure magic and sheer profoundness the property has achieved in this important, hallmark vintage. I will try with one word: Monumental. The Ornellaia team led by Oenologist Axel Heinz and Agronomist/General Manager Leonardo Raspini has done a fabulous job with these wines, which have never failed to literally send shivers down my spine on the multiple occasions I have tasted them. At this stage the 2007 Serre Nuove, Ornellaia and Masseto are shaping up to be ripe, relatively early-drinking wines without the stuffing or sheer vibrancy of the 2006s. I recently had the privilege of revisiting 17 vintages of Ornellaia (all from magnum) spanning vintages 1985-2006 at an incredible tasting that will be covered in an in-depth article on www.erobertparker.com in the coming months.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Lodovico Antinori already had a head start at birth. The Antinoris have been among the Florentine merchant nobility for centuries and already joined the wine buyers' guild in 1385. Since then, there has always been one member of the family in the wine trade. The family estates in Tuscany were greatly expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries and the family gained a lot of experience in the winery. At the beginning of this century, she founded an influential trading company. Marquis Lodovico worked for a while in the family business, but decided to go his own way in the early 1980s. He created an extensive vineyard on Tenuta dell'Ornelllaia, a family estate in Bolgheri on the Mediterranean, 96 km from Florence.
This part of the Maremma not only has a beautiful wild nature, but is also a fertile agricultural area, a region with great potential for wine production. Lodovico's uncle, Marquis Incisa della Rochetta, had already drawn Bolgheri's attention to the wine world with his pioneering work on Tenuta San Guido and with his Sassiciaia, now regarded as one of the world's greatest red wines.
Lodovico Antinori followed in his uncle's footsteps in nearby Ornellaia, although he makes a completely different type of wine. He learned from a number of international wine authorities that the character of the Bolgheri soil resembled that of St.-Émilion and Pomerol in Bordeaux was ideal for the production of quality wine. The special feature of the Ornellaia vineyard - for Italian standards - is the high percentage of merlot. The assembly for Antinori's top wine, the red Ornellaia, contains 40% merlot. However, this grape comes into its own best at the vigna veccia (old vines) of the winery. Since 1987, this plot has supplied the raw material for a 100% Merlot cuvée called the Masseto. The grapes for this wine have been picked under a sunny September sky. After the long fermentation of 18-20 days, the wine is naturally transferred to tanks. After which a maturing process in new Barriques. The result is a wine with structure, very pure fruit and a beautiful balance.