The irony is striking: these grapes thrive in a region long thought unsuitable for fine wine production, yet today the result ranks among Italy’s finest. Ornellaia is crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot — classic Bordeaux varieties cultivated on the western edge of Tuscany.
Tuscany’s wine reputation stretches back centuries, largely built on Chianti and other Sangiovese-based reds. In the coastal Bolgheri area, however, Sangiovese never dominated. Instead it was the Bordeaux-style blends, with a comparatively recent history, that transformed the region’s standing.
The modern chapter began in Bolgheri in 1968 with Sassicaia, a wine that quickly earned international acclaim and drew attention from Italian producers. Ornellaia followed in 1981 after its founders recognized that Bolgheri’s climate and diverse soils were especially well suited to Bordeaux varieties.
At first, Italian wines made from French varieties did not fit established national classifications and were labeled “Super Tuscans.” Over time that term broadened to include many different Tuscan wines, not only Bordeaux-style blends. With the success of the original producers, these top-tier wines ultimately received official recognition under the D.O.C. Bolgheri designation.
Notes from a recent tasting highlight the consistent excellence of Ornellaia vintages. Ornellaia 2005 shows mature, ripe aromas and deep, compelling flavors. Ornellaia 2006 is full, concentrated and elegantly structured. Ornellaia 2010 balances complexity and refinement with silky tannins. Ornellaia 2011 presents power and vibrancy with a long, satisfying finish. Ornellaia 2012 is youthful, intense and substantial, boasting significant body and persistence.
Reflecting its quality and limited quantities, Ornellaia is priced in the premium range, typically $225–250 per bottle.
For those seeking more accessible options from the same estate, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is a value-focused second wine produced mainly from younger vines and featuring a higher proportion of Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon, generally priced around $65–75. An even more economical choice, Ornellaia Estate Le Volte blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese and can usually be found for about $25.
All three wines demonstrate strong quality at their respective levels, with Ornellaia regarded as the flagship. Its reputation reaches far beyond connoisseurs — for example, George Clooney chose to serve Ornellaia at his wedding, a testament to the estate’s prestige.