ORNELLAIA 2016

Terroir

Ornellaia is now a classic and was one of the first of the Super Tuscans – modern wines made in Tuscany using French grape varieties. It is the equal of many a great Bordeaux.

From its position on the hillside close to Bolgheri, The Ornellaia estate lies hidden in the foothills around Bolgheri that face the Mediterranean coast.

The cool maritime breeze caresses this exceptional Estate and its surrounding olive groves throughout the summer months. During the winter the hills give protection from the cold northern winds.

Ornellaia believes that wines should be the truest expression of the terroir from which they come.

The diverse nature of the Estate’s soils – marine, alluvial and volcanic – coupled with this maritime climate create an environment in which red and white varietals can express themselves to the full.

This myriad of individual parcels of vines fit into this unspoilt landscape like a mosaic, creating a unique expression of beauty and complexity in an exceptional place.

While experience, skill and determination have all played their part in enhancing the quality and reputation of Ornellaia, it is the Estate itself that is continual source of inspiration, suggesting unique and exciting ways to capture its natural generosity.

THE 2016 GROWING SEASON

As what seems to be becoming increasingly the norm, the winter of 2016 was characterized by abnormally warm weather with heavy rainfall in February.

Budbreak took place on time in the last week of March. The abundance of water in the soil and the warm weather in April led to quick and normal vegetative vine growth.

The summer was within the norm with very little rain favouring a notable water stress towards the end of the ripening stage.

On usual August holiday period storms were also absent, maintaining a state of hydric stress through the first part of the harvest, but luckily with temperatures that significantly cooled off at night, allowing the vines to recover from the daytime temperatures.

Ripening went on steadily building up excellent phenolic potential and a balanced sugar/acidity ratio.

Harvest started early on the 24th August with young vine Merlot.

By mid- September a few rain showers arrived, that allowed to complete harvest under virtually perfect conditions, sunny, but moderately warm, and enough water in the soil to prevent the vines from shutting down.

Harvest was concluded on the 12th of October with the last Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

Ratings Ornellaia 2016

• Wine Advocate 98
• James Suckling 98
• Wine Spectator 96
• Antonio Galloni 96+
• Gambero Rosso 3/3

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