Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2019

The Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese grapes were fermented separately in small steel tanks to maintain their varietal characteristics intact. The alcoholic fermentation was followed by malolactic fermentation, again in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 10 months, partly in barrique used for Ornellaia and partly in cement tanks, to obtain the perfect balance between tannic structure and an expression of fresh fruit.

The year 2019 was characterized by a highly variable climate, which alternated periods of cold and rain with long bouts of drought and heat. After a rather normal winter, budding took place in the first week of April. Cold and rainy conditions throughout April and May considerably slowed down development of the vegetation, delaying flowering to 10 days later than usual. In June, the climate suddenly turned hot and dry, with peak temperatures of 37°C reached at the end of the month. All summer long the weather remained hot and sunny, with temperatures 2°C higher than average and 45 consecutive days without rain. In the last week of July, the long period of drought was interrupted by two days of rain, readjusting the temperature to the seasonal norm, with ideal conditions for grape ripening. The harvest began slowly on September 5th. As usual, in the last week of September a drop in temperature occurred and preserved the vintage’s great finesse and aromatic freshness. After the rainfall on September 21st, weather conditions were again sunny and allowed for the harvest of the late ripening varieties on October 4th.

“2019 gives us a Le Volte dell’Ornellaia with great balance and expressivity. With its bright ruby-red color, intense scents of red berries and rose petals are clearly distinguishable on the nose, while on the palate the taste is full-bodied and enveloping, characterized by dense tannins and a vibrant acidity which make this a highly pleasant and enjoyable wine.”

-Winemaker, Olga Fusari