2022 Ornellaia Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Tuscany 0.75l

2022 Ornellaia Tenuta dell'Ornellaia - Tuscany
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia was founded in 1981 by Marchese Lodovico Antinori – brother of Piero Antinori (Tignanello) and cousin of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta (Sassicaia). With its first vintage in 1985, Ornellaia quickly established itself as one of the great "Super Tuscans" and is now considered a global icon. The vineyards are located around Bolgheri on rolling hills, favored by direct sunlight, cooling sea breezes, and diverse soils. The estate has been part of the Frescobaldi family since 2005. 2022 was also a year of transition . After almost two decades, Axel Heinz handed over responsibility to the new technical director, Marco Balsimelli .

Expansion:

The grapes were hand-picked in small crates, selected on double sorting tables, and gently pressed. After fermentation in stainless steel , the wine was aged for 18 months in barriques , 70% of which was new wood . After blending, the wine matured for another six months in barrels and then for another year in the bottle before release. The 2022 cuvée consists of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot .

Aroma & Taste:

The 2022 vintage presents a dense, expressive bouquet of dark berries, cassis, and plum, underpinned by subtle hints of vanilla, tobacco, and Mediterranean herbs . On the palate, it is powerful yet balanced , with ripe, fine-grained tannins and an elegant texture. The heat of the vintage provides rich fruit and depth, while a crisp freshness maintains balance. The long, spicy finish is characterized by dark fruit, mineral accents such as graphite, and a subtle hint of wood.

Food recommendation:

A wine for great moments, ideal with braised beef with rosemary , rack of lamb in a herb crust , or venison medallions with juniper jus . It also pairs well with aged Pecorino Toscano or fine chocolate with a high cocoa content. The 2022 can be enjoyed young, but reveals its true potential after several years of bottle aging.

Special features of the 2022 vintage in Tuscany:

The 2022 vintage was characterized by exceptional heat and drought , which significantly reduced yields but simultaneously resulted in concentrated and aromatically dense harvests. The saving grace of rain at the end of July allowed for even ripening of the grapes. The wines of this vintage are powerful, compact, and clearly structured , yet, thanks to meticulous work in the vineyard, exhibit surprising freshness and balance. In Bolgheri, they are considered particularly age-worthy and of striking elegance.

Conclusion:

The 2022 Ornellaia once again embodies the iconic radiance of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia : powerful, elegant, and with great aging potential. As one of the most famous Supertuscans, it combines Tuscan origins, international class, and the signature of two generations of oenologists , aging by Axel Heinz, and blending by Marco Balsimelli. Despite the heat, it remains true to its style—a world-class wine that continues the history of Bolgheri and delights collectors and connoisseurs alike.