A Super Tuscan blend of Bordeaux varietals, Ornellaia is always a highly rated example of the style. Made with 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot, and 14% Cabernet Franc, this is a fresh and floral wine on the nose, with aromas of black currant, cherry, herbs, and tobacco. Flavors of iron, cloves, blackberry, and black tea are followed by a dense, tannic finish that would benefit from a few years aging.
Ornellaia, like many Bordeaux style blends, is fantastic paired with heavier red meats, whether alone or in rich stews. A grilled filet mignon wrapped in bacon and served with a pat of herbed butter on top would be an excellent choice.
Hand harvested and sorted grapes, a gentle crushing, and long maceration on the skins are all hallmarks of Ornellaia’s style of winemaking, guided by the owners, the Antinori Family of Tuscany. This, combined with their use of 70% new oak barrels for an 18-month aging process, allows Ornellaia to craft an exceptionally complex wine that stands up to the best of what Bordeaux has to offer. Their focus on the maritime Bolgheri Coastal terroir also increases the comparison to Bordeaux, though Ornellaia can stand alone with its exceptional quality.