Philosophy

Our production philosophy revolves around Ornellaia’s obsession with excellence – at all levels. Every choice we make is of absolute importance and implies an all-consuming attention to detail. At no point in the production process are shortcuts allowed or tolerated, and this is how we succeed harvesting grapes that are of the very highest quality irrespective of the climatic conditions in that particular year.

During the harvest period analysis and empiric testing enables us to determine which grapes to pick and in which order. The tasting of the grapes allows us to better ascertain the ripeness of the tannins and the balance within the bunches in order to establish the optimum harvest time and the vinification technique for the grapes from each parcel of land. We then subject each and every grape to a double selection process. On the first table the quality of the bunches is checked, while during a second control every single piece of vegetation is removed.

The grapes from each vineyard ferment separately in individual tanks, in this way each individual base wine (of which there are more than 60) contributes its own character to creation of the final blend according to the specific conditions of the vineyard area from which it comes : a combination of soil type, climatic exposition, grape variety, … Only after a period of 12 months of ageing in French oak barrels will the base wines be selected and blended according to 2 principal criteria : the elegant expression required by Ornellaia and the character of vintage itself.

In the cellar

The cellar is the continuation of the vineyard. Here as well each vineyard is treated as an individual, vinified separately, with the objective to express the specific character of its parcel. Again the palate is our main tool, the daily tasting of the fermenting wines allow us to adapt extraction and maceration time to each of the 70 to 80 base wines, that will mature separately in small French oak barrels, before being selected and blended to achieve a subtle balance: expressing the specific character of the vintage while keeping Ornellaia’s voluptuous elegance.

Ownership

THE FRESCOBALDI FAMILY

For 700 years the Frescobaldi family has combined tradition, experience and innovation with creativity and the pursuit of excellence. The family has always looked to develop and celebrate the diversity of Tuscany’s terroir, being proud owners of some of the greatest vineyards in this region.

They always seek to maintain the identity and autonomy of each property.

ORNELLAIA, perceived as one of the world’s iconic wineries, has flourished under the Frescobaldi family’s ownership.

LE VOLTE DELL’ORNELLAIA