Tenuta dell'Ornellaia: the Bolgheri estate behind Ornellaia wine
Ornellaia sits on the Tuscan coast in Bolgheri, looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Marchese Lodovico Antinori planted the first vineyards in 1981, with winemaker Tibor Gál at his side, and the first vintage followed in 1985. Since 2005 the Frescobaldi family has been sole owner. The vineyards are mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and a little white. Marco Balsimelli has led the winemaking since January 2024, with Michel Rolland consulting.
What makes these wines special is that mix of Bordeaux grapes and Mediterranean light: ripe, generous fruit with freshness and a savoury edge.
Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore and the Vendemmia d'Artista labels
The flagship Ornellaia is a Bolgheri DOC Superiore, built on Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2022 the blend was 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged for 18 months in barrique. Expect dark fruit, graphite, spice and fine-grained tannins that want years in the bottle.
Every vintage since the 2006 also carries a Vendemmia d'Artista edition. A contemporary artist interprets the character of the year in a site-specific work and a set of limited labels. Since 2012 each case of Ornellaia has included one bottle with the artist's label, while the large signed formats go to an annual charity auction supporting the arts. For the 2022 vintage the artist was Pascale Marthine Tayou.
Le Serre Nuove, Le Volte and Poggio alle Gazze from Ornellaia
Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is the estate's second wine, a Bolgheri DOC Rosso made from the same grape varieties as the flagship. It is plush and juicy with ripe black fruit and gentle toast, and it drinks well early while still ageing comfortably for a decade.
Le Volte dell'Ornellaia is a Toscana IGT red built on Merlot with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. It spends around ten months in a mix of barrique and cement and is all about soft tannins and bright red fruit. Lovely with pasta or grilled meat.
Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia is the white, a Toscana IGT led by Sauvignon Blanc. In 2023 it was joined by Vermentino, Viognier and a touch of Sémillon, partly matured in barrique and kept on the lees without malolactic. The result is crisp and vibrant, with passion fruit, spice and a satiny texture.
Masseto and Massetino: pure Merlot from the Masseto hill
Masseto began life as a single vineyard within the Ornellaia estate, and the estate was renamed Ornellaia e Masseto in 2012 to reflect its standing. Both are owned by the Frescobaldi family, but Masseto is now run as a separate project with its own identity, and since the 2019 vintage it has been made in its own dedicated winery. The vines grow on about seven hectares of Pliocene blue clay, an ancient seabed that gives Merlot remarkable density and grip. First made in 1987, Masseto earned a perfect score from Wine Spectator for the 2001 vintage and is aged in 100% new oak.
Massetino, introduced with the 2017 vintage, is its second wine. The 2023 is 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% new oak, offering the Masseto texture a little sooner.
Ornellaia wine FAQ
Is Masseto made by Ornellaia?
Masseto grew out of the Ornellaia estate and shares its owners, the Frescobaldi family. Since the 2019 vintage it has had its own winery and is run as a separate estate.
What is the second wine of Ornellaia?
Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia, a Bolgheri Rosso from the same varieties as the grand vin. Masseto's second wine is Massetino.
What grapes are in Ornellaia?
Ornellaia is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Masseto and Massetino are almost entirely Merlot.
Is there a white Ornellaia?
Yes. Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia is the Sauvignon Blanc-led white, and the estate also makes an Ornellaia Bolgheri Bianco.
What else should I try from Bolgheri?
Browse our wines from Tuscany, or try Tenuta San Guido and Sassicaia for another Bolgheri classic.