Viniou Reviews
The 2015 Ornellaia from Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is a benchmark Bolgheri red, celebrated for its elegance and complexity. Crafted as a ‘Super Tuscan’, this wine is a blend typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, though the exact proportions change with each vintage to capture the unique character of the year. The 2015 vintage benefited from a long and balanced growing season, resulting in optimal ripeness and depth of flavour. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by ageing in French oak barriques for about 18 months, with a further period maturing in bottle before release. This lengthy maturation imparts finesse, a polished tannic structure, and a superb aromatic complexity, offering notes of ripe dark fruit, plum, graphite, balsamic nuances and hints of spice, tobacco and fine cedar.
Bolgheri, on the Tuscan coast, is a relatively young yet prestigious appellation renowned for Bordeaux-style blends which have revolutionised Italian fine wine since the late twentieth century. The region’s proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea moderates the Mediterranean climate, ensuring hot summers tempered by cooling maritime breezes and mild winters — ideal for slow and consistent grape ripening. The soils are diverse, combining sandy clay, alluvial gravel and mineral-rich deposits which contribute structure, minerality and refinement to the wines. While Tuscany is historically famed for its Sangiovese-based wines, Bolgheri’s embrace of international varieties has allowed estate such as Ornellaia to achieve world-class renown, producing wines of distinction, longevity and great sophistication.
A wine of this stature pairs beautifully with robust and savoury dishes. Classic Tuscan fare such as bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine T-bone steak) is a natural match, as are slow-braised beef ragù, wild boar, and grilled lamb chops. The plush fruit and harmonious tannins also complement mature cheeses like pecorino or aged parmesan, and even delicate truffle-based preparations will not overpower its elegance.
For optimal enjoyment, decant for at least one hour and serve at 16-18°C. This temperature brings out the wine’s aromatic purity and textural grace. While already approachable, the 2015 Ornellaia has impressive aging potential and will continue to evolve beautifully in the cellar for many years.
