2016 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum

The history of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia and Bolgheri

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia was founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori in the Tuscan coastal area of Bolgheri. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the proximity to the sea and the varied soil composition, the winery quickly became one of the most prestigious producers in Italy. Since 2005, the estate has been managed by the Frescobaldi family, who strive for precision, terroir expression and sustainability. Ornellaia is recognized worldwide for its Bordeaux-inspired blends with an Italian signature.

The style and wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

The winery produces several prestigious wines including Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, Le Serre Nuove, Le Volte and Poggio alle Gazze. The red wines are usually blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Each vintage of Ornellaia is given its own thematic name that reflects the character of the wine year. The 2016 is called 'La Tensione' , a reference to the exceptional tension and energy that characterizes the wine.

2016 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum: grapes, harvest and vinification

The year 2016 is considered one of the great vintages of the decade. After a mild winter and cool spring, an ideal summer followed with warm days and cool nights. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The blend consists of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The grapes were harvested by hand between late August and early October. Fermentation took place per plot in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barriques (70% new). The wine matured for 18 months in barrel, followed by blending and then 12 months of bottle aging in the estate's cellars.

Color, smell and taste of the 2016 Ornellaia La Tensione Magnum

The 2016 Ornellaia shows a deep ruby red colour with a purple edge. The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, violets, cedar, graphite and subtle spiciness. In the mouth the wine is powerful and concentrated, with an exceptional balance between fruit, acidity and tannins. The structure is impressive, but at the same time refined. The long, energetic finish underlines the tension that makes this vintage so special. The magnum packaging considerably enhances the ageing potential.

The 2016 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore was named 'La Tensione' as part of the eleventh year of the Vendemmia d'Artista art project. For this edition, Iranian-American artist Shirin Neshat was invited to interpret the unique characteristics of this vintage. Neshat created a site-specific artwork for the estate and designed a series of 111 large bottles featuring her art. She also designed a special label that can be found in each case of six 750ml bottles of Ornellaia 2016.

Order wines from 2016 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum online?

The 2016 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum 'La Tensione' is stored in our professionally conditioned Wine Warehouse. If you pick up the wine, you will often receive an attractive discount. You will see this automatically appear on the checkout page when you choose 'Pick up'. We are located in Dordrecht, directly on the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address .

Full tasting notes and scores from renowned wine critics such as Robert Parker, James Suckling and Vinous can be read via the links next to the image. This service is available free of charge to our customers.

Need advice on choosing a wine to go with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . Freely available to all Grandcruwijnen customers.

Wine and food pairings with 2016 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Magnum

Beef tenderloin with black pepper and red wine sauce: The concentration and elegance of the wine enhance the tender meat and the full sauce.
Ravioli filled with mushrooms and sage butter: Earthy flavors and creamy texture complement the spicy notes of the wine.
Risotto with roasted beetroot and blue cheese: A combination of heartiness and freshness that beautifully complements the fruit and structure of the wine.
Lamb chops with rosemary and grilled vegetables: The powerful flavor of lamb and the spiciness combine beautifully with the Cabernet components in the wine.
Braised beef shank with celeriac puree: The long-braised structure and rich character match the tannins and depth of this wine.
Pan-fried duck breast with fig compote: The combination of sweet and savoury in the dish contrasts nicely with the tension and length of this vintage.