Ornus 2021 Tenuta dell' Ornellaia

Tasting Note Ornus 2021

Initially, aromas of candied pineapple emerge, followed by baking spices and notes of toasted almonds, a characteristic aroma often found in Petit Manseng. With 170 grams of residual sugar per liter, the 2021 Ornus is unmistakably sweet, yet its acidity cuts through the center of the palate with a refreshing sharpness. The texture is viscous without being sticky. It's best served in small sips, and even half a bottle will last longer than most people expect.

Grape Varieties

Since Petit Manseng built its reputation in Jurançon, in Southwest France, its appearance in Bolgheri is unusual. The berries are small, the skins are thick, and the juice content is very low. High natural acidity is a hallmark of this variety, and it is precisely this quality that prevents Ornus 2021 from tasting syrupy.

Grape Varieties:

Petit Manseng, 100%

Cellaring Potential

Both sugar and acidity act as preservatives, and Ornus 2021 is rich in both. It is best enjoyed through 2036. Decanting is not necessary. Serve at 8-10°C, cool enough to highlight the acidity, yet warm enough to preserve the candied fruit flavors.

About Tenuta dell' Ornellaia

Bolgheri's coastal strip, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the hills of Castagneto Carducci in the province of Livorno, is where Tenuta dell' Ornellaia grows classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, plus Sauvignon Blanc and some other white varietals for the Poggio alle Gazze white. Lodovico Antinori started the estate in 1981, and the first vintage was released in 1988 ( the 1985). Ownership shifted more than once after that, through Robert Mondavi, until the Frescobaldi family took full control in April 2005. Masseto, once part of the estate, became a separate winery in 2019, though production manager Marco Balsimelli still oversees both. Soils mix marine, alluvial material, and sea breezes cool the vineyards through summer. That shows in the wines. 

Terroir & Climate

Bolgheri is situated between the Tyrrhenian Sea and low hills, and the key feature here is the gentle breeze. These breezes keep the vineyards cool throughout the summer and ensure mild winters. The soil here is a mixture of marine and alluvial deposits, ranging from sandy loam to gravelly calcareous clay. Water drains well, yet sufficient moisture is retained underground. For late-harvest grapes, such as Petit Manseng, the dry coastal air helps concentrate the flavors of the fruit on the vines.

Winemaking

Each lot is vinified in its own unique way. Following a long, gentle pressing process and an overnight period of natural settling, each lot is fermented separately in barrels, with the temperature kept below 22°C to preserve the aromas. Fermentation is halted once the sugar and alcohol levels reach the winery's target values; this single decision determines the wine's balance. Blending takes place only after aging and is never done before that.

Food Pairing: Ornus by Tenuta dell' Ornellaia

For sweet wines such as Ornus dell'Ornellaia, the easiest way to enjoy them is to balance the sweetness with a touch of salt. Recommended pairings:

• Blue cheese, especially Gorgonzola
• Cantucci, a traditional Tuscan almond biscuit often dipped in sweet wine
• Apricot or peach tart, which brings out the flavors of stone fruits
• Foie gras terrine; its acidity cuts through the richness of the fat