ORNELLAIA - The Greenhouse Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2012
It is a Tuscan icon. Since its first vintage, in 1985, Ornellaia has established itself as one of the locomotives of the Bolgheri appellation.
It is in this coastal region located between Livorne and the island of Elba that Italian oenology has known its revolution. In the wake of the pioneer Sassicaia, the local estates began to cultivate Bordeaux grape varieties and to develop the delicate art of blending. The “Supertoscans” quickly gained international notoriety thanks in particular to the enthusiasm of the American press.
With its 97 hectares of vines, Ornellaia had a dazzling success in the early 2000s: "The Wine Spectator's" selected the 1998 vintage as "Wine of the year"; the high scores given by Robert Parker for the 2001 (96) and 2006 (97) vintages pushed up its price, over 160 francs for the 2012 vintage.
For those who don't want to spend that much for a bottle, the estate's second wine, Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia, is often an interesting alternative. Composed of 52% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc, it is less concentrated than its big brother.
It offers a charming nose (blackcurrant, blackberries, tobacco, cedar wood), a harmonious and silky structure and a beautiful spicy finish. A treat with the pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale (boar stew) from the enoteca Tognoni de Bolgheri - a must-see for all Bacchus lovers.
